Benguet: Reelected Benguet congressman Eric Yap announced his commitment to prioritize the fight against vegetable smuggling, aiming to protect the vital industry that supports the province's economic activities. Yap emphasized the continuation of anti-smuggling initiatives to safeguard the livelihoods of Benguet residents during a media interview on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Yap expressed his satisfaction with former senator Panfilo Lacson's return to the Senate, noting Lacson's strong advocacy against smuggling. Yap highlighted Lacson's role in pushing for Senate hearings on the matter, which he believes will bolster efforts to address the issue effectively. The Cordillera region, with Benguet at its core, is responsible for producing a significant portion of the country's highland vegetables, contributing between 65 percent and 75 percent of the national total.

In addition to tackling smuggling, Yap outlined other priorities, including educational scholarships aimed at providing better employment opportunities for the youth, medical assistance programs, and the development of infrastructure projects. He expressed hope for the completion of the Pilando bridge within the next three years, marking a significant infrastructure milestone under his leadership.

During his first term, Yap oversaw projects such as the Benguet Sports Complex, which positioned the province to host the Department of Education-administered Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association in 2025. Yap's political career began in 2019 when he served as a 'caretaker' representative of the ACT-CIS Party-list following the death of congressman Nestor Fongwan. He secured his position as a representative in the 2022 elections and was recently reelected.