The centre has been funded to the tune of 29.9 million peso, loaned from the Development Bank of the Philippines by the local government unit of Malasiqui. It aims to provide consumers with affordable and cheaper farm and fishery products.

A 2.5 tonne daily average in volume of trading of various vegetables and other agri products is forecast for the centre. Business will come from both from lowland and upland producers and should benefit 20,798 households of the 73 barangays in the municipality of Malasiqui alone.

The Bagsakan Centre will serve as an intermediate point for farmers of Malasiqui and other nearby municipalities as well as upland vegetable producers where they could consolidate their products and bring them to Metro Manila market centre at a higher farm gate price.

In his opening address Mr Yap said he wants to meet more farmers, who can show they are making profits through the programmes of agriculture department.