President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. visited the La Trinidad Trading Post in Benguet on Friday, April 17, 2026, where he met farmers and traders and promised continued government support amid rising fuel and production costs.

During the visit, some farmers handed vegetables to the President as he walked through the trading area. Marcos, together with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., also listened to their concerns, including the impact of high fuel prices on farm operations and transport costs.

The President also bought vegetables from local traders, which were later set for delivery to depressed areas in Metro Manila, including facilities of the DSWD, BJMP, and other agencies.

Marcos then proceeded to the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center, where the government distributed assistance programs for farmers affected by current economic pressures.

He said the government is working to reduce the burden on farmers and keep food supply stable despite global oil price increases.

“Binaba natin ‘yung presyo ng diesel ng 10 piso, tapos ‘yung mga charges ng local government ay winave na muna, tapos tinanggal din natin yung toll fee para sa mga truck na bumaba,” Marcos said.

He also said the government will continue providing free seeds and fertilizer and include farmers, drivers, and vegetable transport workers in the TUPAD program.

“Ito ‘yung mga tulong natin para naman matiyak ang ating food supply, pangalawa, matiyak na hindi masyadong mabigat ang nararamdaman ng mga farmer, producer at wholesaler,” he said.

Florence Ayban, a farmer, thanked the President for the support, saying the removal of toll fees helped ease transport costs.

“Maraming salamat po sa tulong ni Presidente kasi ‘yung inalis niya ng tollgate, malaking tulong sa amin ‘yan kasi mataas yung gasolina ngayon,” she said.

Marcos also approved a request from farmers to build a dehydrator facility in the province.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said storage and cold chain facilities will also be expanded to support farmers.

“Inaprubahan na rin ni Pangulo yung i-rehabilitate yung storage dito, maging operational. Magtatayo pa kami ng cold storage na katabi ng ating processing center na bago,” he said.

The Department of Agriculture said it will also support a proposed floor price for farmers to prevent losses from falling produce prices.