Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap lauded the Bureau of Customs (BOC) after confiscating several tons of mis-declared imported carrots from China worth P13.2 million, on October 22, Yap condemned the misdeclaration as a deliberate act to deceive the government and harm farmers and hopes the government remains steadfast in filing legal actions against those involved and will be pursued through the proper channels. This seizure is part of the BOC’s intensified efforts against agricultural smuggling, which negatively impacts local farmers and the economy. Since his re-election last May, Yap said he has been collaborating with other government agencies, particularly the BOC in curving the smuggling of vegetable in the country. “We will continue to pursue efforts on anti-smuggling of vegetables for the protection of our province-mates in Benguet,” said Yap. According to a report, the BOC intercepted three 40-foot containers filled with fresh carrots from China, instead of assorted household items based. The report added the illicit cargo arrived in the Philippines early this month and was initially issued an alert order following a tip received by the Port of Manila’s Alert Monitoring Unit. Customs examiners conducted a full physical examination of the cargo, confirming the misdeclaration. Inside the containers, officials discovered several kilograms of carrots hidden behind a fraudulent declaration of bathroom fixtures, napkins, and storage boxes. The Cordillera Administrative Region, produces 85 percent of the country’s highland vegetables, with Benguet contributing 65 to 75 percent of the total. With the hopes of improving the lives of Benguet farmers, Yap has recently filed two bills ion the Congress that will strengthen their resiliency while urging the Department of Agriculture to impose and regulate farmgate prices of highly perishable vegetables which include, but are not limited to, green beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chayote, and lettuce. Most of these vegetables are produced in Benguet. In Yap’s House Bill 1511, The DA is given the power to impose and regulate farm gate prices for highly perishable vegetables that will continuously undergo seasonal review and appropriate changes, considering the time, effort and resources, market conditions and other economic indicators so as to ensure profitability and productivity among the local vegetable farmers. This measure will also mandate the farmers cultivating the said highly perishable vegetable crops to register their vegetable crops as part of the monitoring of the Standard Farm Gate Price and to prevent the crop’s overproduction due to unregistered and unscrupulous supply of the highly perishable vegetables that are not included in the implementation of this measure. Another bill set to give safeguard to farmers is HB 4969 or the Free Index – Based Agricultural Insurance bill which aims to protect farmers from climate disasters. If the bill is passed, it will replace outdated, slow systems with quick, data-based support and ensure government help goes where it’s most needed, where climate risk and poverty are highest. The bill also gives farmers the peace of mind they need to keep producing food for all of us, even in a time of changing weather. This bill is a step toward a more secure, resilient, and farmer-friendly food system.

LUNA, Apayao — The Rural Health Unit was alarmed after 13 cases of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) were detected in the municipality of Luna, Apayao as of October 2025. The information was disclosed by an RHU staff member during the regular flag-raising ceremony of the LGU on October 21, who added that the municipality currently has the highest number of cases in Apayao. However, she did not disclose the age range of those affected. Municipal Health Officer Dr. Jonah Grace Verzola clarified that “the rise in reported HIV cases in Luna does not necessarily mean there are more infections, but rather reflects our strengthened testing, awareness, and reporting efforts. “This shows that more people are now open to getting tested and becoming more responsible for their health.” Dr. Verzola also reaffirmed that RHU-Luna remains committed to promoting HIV awareness, prevention, and compassionate care, emphasizing that early detection saves lives and helps end stigma. Municipal Mayor Januario S. Garde underscored that prevention requires the collective effort of health professionals, the LGU, families, and the public. “This report gives us a glimpse of an alarming health threat and a growing concern in our community. Tulong-tulong tayo sa pagresolba—this requires unified efforts,” he said. (Luna PIO)