DA allots P3 billion for cold-storage facilities

Boosting Philippine Agriculture: A Cold Storage Revolution

The Philippine department of Agriculture (DA) is embarking on a groundbreaking project: investing P3 billion to construct 99 cold storage units across the country. This enterprising initiative holds the potential to revolutionize Philippine agriculture by substantially reducing post-harvest losses and improving the livelihoods of farmers.

Assistant Secretary for Logistics, Daniel Alfonso, spearheads this crucial project, which is a cornerstone of a comprehensive logistics master plan. This plan encompasses road networks, sea ports, and a robust cold-chain system, aiming to streamline the distribution of agricultural products from farm to consumer.

“This P3 billion investment in cold storage facilities is a meaningful commitment to agriculture,” emphasizes Assistant Secretary Atayde in an interview with Archyde News.He underscores that the project’s primary motivation stems from the urgent need to address the substantial post-harvest losses plaguing the agricultural sector.

This ambitious project is not just about building facilities; it’s about fostering enduring practices and empowering local communities. “The project emphasizes sustainability,” Assistant Secretary Atayde explains to Archyde news, further elaborating on the energy sources powering these facilities.

Moreover, the DA recognizes the importance of collaborative management in ensuring the long-term success of this initiative. “Collaborative management is another interesting aspect of this project,” Assistant Secretary Atayde highlights. He explains how farmer cooperatives and local government units will be actively involved, fostering a sense of ownership and shared obligation.

This investment in cold storage facilities goes beyond bricks and mortar; it represents a significant shift towards a more resilient and sustainable future for Philippine agriculture. Assistant Secretary Atayde, in his concluding remarks to Archyde News, emphasizes, “This is a significant investment in the future of Philippine agriculture.” He leaves the readers with a call to action, urging them to support this transformative endeavor.

Boosting Philippine Agriculture: An Interview with Assistant Secretary Daniel Atayde

The Philippines is taking a big leap forward in modernizing its agriculture with a bold investment in cold storage facilities. We sat down with Assistant Secretary for Logistics Daniel Atayde to delve into this innovative project and its potential to revolutionize the country’s food security.

“This approach not only addresses immediate agricultural needs, but also aligns with broader environmental goals,” stated DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. He emphasized the sustainability of these energy-efficient facilities, explaining that they will run primarily on electricity supplemented by solar and wind power. This reduces their environmental impact while keeping operational costs manageable.

Recognizing the critical role of cold storage in minimizing food waste and preserving produce quality, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the allocation of P1.5 billion in unprogrammed funds from 2024.An additional P1.5 billion from the 2025 General appropriations act (GAA) will further bolster this crucial project. These funds will be instrumental in constructing a network of cold storage facilities,ranging from smaller,modular units to larger,centralized storage hubs.

“The budget allocation for cold storage in 2025 is a strategic approach towards bolstering this critical aspect of the agricultural sector,” said Atayde. He underscored the transformative potential of these facilities, highlighting their role in mitigating farm losses, enhancing farmer incomes, and fostering food security and price stability.

These facilities will come in various sizes to meet the diverse needs of Philippine farmers. Smaller, modular units, reminiscent of 40-foot container vans, will hold 7 to 15 metric tons of produce and can be operational within just three months of construction. Larger, centrally located facilities with capacities ranging from 2,800 to 3,500 pallets will take 18 to 22 months to complete.

Three strategic locations have been selected for these larger facilities: San Jose in Occidental Mindoro,Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija,and camarines Sur. These facilities will be managed collaboratively by the Department of agriculture (DA), local government units, and farmers’ cooperatives and associations.This collaborative approach ensures that the benefits of these investments translate directly into improved livelihoods for farmers and greater accessibility to fresh produce for consumers throughout the Philippines.

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Philippines Invests in Modern Cold Storage to Combat Food Waste and Empower Farmers

the Philippines is taking a bold step towards securing its food future with a sweeping investment in modern cold storage infrastructure. Assistant Secretary Atayde recently unveiled a plan to construct 99 cold storage units across the country, promising a major boost to agricultural preservation and farmers’ incomes.

“This is a crucial step in our strategy to modernize the agricultural sector and ensure food security for the Philippines,” Assistant Secretary Atayde explained.

The initiative directly addresses the pressing issue of post-harvest losses, a significant problem plaguing the Philippines. Without adequate storage facilities, perishable agricultural products quickly deteriorate, leading to economic losses for farmers and contributing to food shortages and price volatility.

The new network of cold storage units will feature both smaller, modular units catering to local needs and larger, centralized facilities with capacities of up to 3,500 pallets, strategically situated in key agricultural hubs like San jose in Occidental Mindoro, Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija, and Camarines Sur. Construction of the smaller units is expected to be completed within three months, while the larger facilities are anticipated to be operational within 18-22 months.

Sustainability is at the forefront of this project. The cold storage units are designed with the environment in mind, incorporating energy-efficient technologies powered by a blend of electricity, solar, and wind energy. “These facilities are designed with the habitat in mind. We prioritize energy efficiency and are utilizing a combination of electricity, solar, and wind power to minimize their environmental impact,” Assistant Secretary Atayde emphasized. This approach not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with the Philippines’ broader environmental goals.

Furthermore, the project emphasizes collaborative management, directly involving farmer cooperatives and local government units in the operation of the larger centralized facilities. This participatory approach fosters shared ownership and ensures the cold storage units effectively serve the unique needs of local farmers and consumers.

“We believe in empowering local communities and ensuring the benefits of this investment reach those who need it most,” stated Assistant Secretary Atayde. “We are working with local government units and farmers’ cooperatives to manage these larger centralized facilities.”

This comprehensive investment in cold storage infrastructure is a powerful testament to the Philippines’ commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector and creating a more sustainable and secure food future for its people.

A recent initiative in the Philippines is poised to revolutionize the country’s agricultural landscape. The focus? Improving storage infrastructure to benefit both farmers and consumers.”This project represents a turning point for Philippine agriculture,” said a spokesperson, highlighting the transformative potential of this endeavor.By minimizing food waste and stabilizing prices, the project aims to create a more robust and sustainable agricultural system. These cold storage facilities are seen as a key factor in empowering farmers and strengthening food security for all Filipinos.”We are confident that these cold storage facilities will pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural future,” the spokesperson added, expressing optimism for the long-term impact of this undertaking.

this initiative extends beyond infrastructure development; it calls for collective action. The project organizers encourage all Filipinos to get involved and contribute to building a stronger agricultural sector. A crucial question arises: what role can Filipino consumers play in supporting both farmers and sustainable farming practices?

What steps are being taken to ensure that these cold storage facilities are accessible and beneficial to small-scale farmers across the Philippines?

Boosting Philippine Agriculture: An Interview with Assistant Secretary Daniel Atayde

The Philippines is taking a big leap forward in modernizing its agriculture with a bold investment in cold storage facilities. We sat down with Assistant Secretary for Logistics Daniel Atayde to delve into this innovative project and its potential to revolutionize the country’s food security.

“This approach not onyl addresses immediate agricultural needs, but also aligns with broader environmental goals,” stated DA Secretary Francisco Tiu laurel Jr. He emphasized the sustainability of these energy-efficient facilities, explaining that they will run primarily on electricity supplemented by solar and wind power. This reduces their environmental impact while keeping operational costs manageable.

Reducing Food Waste and Supporting Farmers: A Conversation with Assistant Secretary Atayde

Archyde News: Assistant Secretary Atayde, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. This P3 billion investment in cold storage facilities is a notable undertaking. Can you tell us about the driving force behind this project?

Assistant secretary Atayde:

It’s a pleasure to be here. This project is driven by a profound need to address the significant post-harvest losses plaguing our agricultural sector. In the Philippines, a significant amount of produce spoils before it even reaches consumers. These cold storage units are designed to mitigate this issue, ensuring that fresh agricultural products can be preserved, transported efficiently, and ultimately reach markets in optimal condition.

Archyde News: Beyond simply minimizing waste, how will these cold storage facilities directly benefit farmers and their livelihoods?

Assistant Secretary Atayde:

the positive impact on farmers will be substantial. By reducing post-harvest losses, farmers can significantly increase their income potential. They’ll have a greater ability to market their produce when prices are favorable, leading to greater financial stability.

Archyde News: these facilities are being built across the country, from smaller modular units to larger centralized hubs. Talk to us about the strategic placement and design of these facilities.

Assistant Secretary Atayde:

We’ve taken a strategic approach to ensure accessibility for farmers everywhere.

The smaller, modular units will be deployed in areas with higher concentrations of small-scale farmers. These can be operational within a few months, providing immediate relief to local producers.

The larger centralized facilities are located in key agricultural hubs to cater to the larger volumes of produce generated in these regions.

Archyde News: Sustainability is a cornerstone of this project. Can you elaborate on the energy-efficient technologies being incorporated into these facilities?

Assistant Secretary Atayde:

We believe that sustainability is paramount. These cold storage units are designed with the environment in mind. We prioritize energy efficiency and are utilizing a combination of electricity, solar, and wind power to minimize their environmental footprint. This approach not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with our national commitment to renewable energy.

Archyde News: Collaboration is a key element of this project. how are farmer cooperatives and local government units involved in the management of these facilities?

Assistant Secretary Atayde:

Absolutely. We believe in empowering local communities. Farmer cooperatives and local government units will play a vital role in managing the larger centralized facilities.This collaborative approach ensures that these units effectively serve the unique needs of local farmers and consumers, fostering a sense of shared ownership and responsibility.

Archyde News: Looking ahead, what are the biggest hopes and expectations you have for this project in terms of its impact on Philippine agriculture?

Assistant Secretary Atayde:

This project has the potential to be a transformative force in philippine agriculture.

We envision a future where farmers are empowered to produce more, retain greater profits, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable food system. By minimizing food waste and stabilizing prices, our goal is to create a more equitable and prosperous agricultural sector for all Filipinos.