Baguio to put up agri-aqua incubator/living laboratory in Benguet

The City Government of Baguio is set to establish its agri-aqua technology incubator facility in Tadiangan Barangay, Tuba, Benguet to create a space for innovative farming practices and knowledge-sharing. 

The City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO)-led initiative was presented to the Baguio City Council on September 23, 2024.

The city government is expected to receive support from the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for this project.

As a key stakeholder partner of the city government in the agricultural sector, state-run Benguet State University (BSU) will oversee the technology business incubation processes.

Dubbed the 'Living Laboratory,' this project is aimed at training local farmers and incubatees in the use of advanced farming technologies such as hydroponics and aquaponics which will be demonstrated at the facility. These trainings will be complemented by networking and marketing events that provide participants with opportunities to expand their business knowledge and connections.

The lead implementers will monitor and assess the project’s social and economic impact on stakeholders and the surrounding community to ensure that it achieves meaningful and sustainable improvements in both the agricultural sector and local livelihoods.

CVAO Head Silardo Bested explained that while the city government will contribute minimal funding, most financial support will come from national agencies. He said the city government’s main contribution will be personnel to supervise the project.

Bested acknowledged that no feasibility study had been completed yet but promised that their office would prepare one once the agreement is finalized as it is one of the requirements to secure funding for the project.

With regard to its location, Bested explained that there was no suitable site within Baguio and that an existing facility in the proposed area could be improved at a lower cost.

Though Councilor Peter Fianza suggested exploring city-owned lands in the city, specifically multi-use lands, while Councilor Mylen Victoria Yaranon suggested that the city council conduct a site visit to familiarize themselves with the location.

Earlier, Antonio Angheng Properties Corporation offered its land for this project to promote farm tourism, urban agriculture, and related activities.  The original Deed of Usufruct between the city government and the corporation specifies a five-year term, renewable every three years. It also states that the agreement will not bind the city government to any financial obligations until a feasibility study is conducted and approved. After the contract expires, any infrastructure or facilities introduced to the property will belong to the property owner, Antonio Angheng.

Bested assured that the city government would be able to recoup the improvements it undertakes within the specified time frame through the training and activities conducted at the facility.

While several local legislators raised that the five-year duration of the agreement is too short and suggested extending it to at least 10 years, considering the project includes construction and facility improvements.

But in the end, the city council passed a resolution granting Mayor Benjamin Magalong the authority to sign the Deed of Usufruct.