The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the Bulacan cold examination facility (CEFA) in development with the private sector is seen operational early next year around February.
The particular CEFA relates to one in Angat whose equipment has already been bought and likely running by January or February next year, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told reporters in a briefing.
Just last year the DA signed a memorandum of understanding with Pacific Roadlink Logistics Inc. (PRLI) to establish the CEFA in Bulacan.
In the agreement, PRLI will develop 10 hectares for buildings that will house the CEFA, including its staging, laboratory, incinerator, container yard and truck parking. A certain portion will also be authorized for use by the DA solely for its examination and laboratory area at no cost to the government.
The facility is seen costing P2.3 billion and the first 24-hour off-dock facility exclusively processing agricultural imports from major ports in the Philippines, including but not limited to the port of Manila and the Manila International Container Port.
The DA is allowed to use portions of the property for 25 years renewable for another 25.
Secretary Tiu Laurel said three more CEFAs in the ports of Manila, Subic and General Santos are expected to be operational by September next year.
Local producers have long wanted the construction of CEFAs as weapons against smuggling and to ensure food safety and public health against unsafe and untested agricultural imports that potentially harm animals.
