Benguet: The provincial government of Benguet is exploring the revival of tramlines previously used by farmers to ease the transport of vegetables from mountainous farms to accessible roads. This initiative aims to alleviate the burden of manual hauling that farmers have faced for years.

According to Philippines News Agency, Provincial Agriculturist Delinia Juan mentioned in an interview that the Department of Agriculture has begun validating areas where tramlines could be re-established. Governor Melchor Diclas has shown support for this project, recognizing the tramlines' potential to address the challenges of transporting vegetable harvests.

Tramlines, which are similar to cable cars and powered by small engines, are particularly beneficial in remote mountain areas with limited road access. Juan explained that these tramlines significantly reduce the time needed to transport perishable vegetables to their destinations, making them an efficient solution for farmers.

Furthermore, the DA Central Office has inspected existing tramline sites to determine their viability in bolstering the agriculture sector. Juan emphasized that tramlines could play a crucial role during road closures caused by landslides, especially in the rainy season.

In addition to the tramline project, the provincial government is implementing other measures to support farmers, such as rapid disaster response to ensure continued access to farming areas.