Manila, Feb. 18 -- The province of Ilocos Norte's first and largest agricultural trading center in Barangay Bil-loca, Batac City, is set for a dry run in March following its 100 percent completion, officials announced Wednesday.

In an interview, Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos said final coordination with the Batac City government is underway to operate the "Bagsakan Center," located on a 1,312.5-square-meter lot near the Batac City public market.

The PHP30-million project, funded by the Department of Agriculture, includes PHP26 million for the building, PHP3.5 million for a hauling truck, and PHP500,000 for marketing equipment such as weighing scales, plastic crates, and pallets.

The center will provide dedicated space for accredited ...