The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to roll out a P3 billion project to build up to 99 cold storage facilities, aimed at extending the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and high-value crops. This initiative, which is expected to reduce post-harvest losses and improve food security, will also stabilize supply and pricing across the country.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the facilities are designed for sustainability, using renewable energy sources like solar and wind, alongside traditional electricity. The development plan includes 65 small, modular units, a large facility in Camarines Sur, and two additional large cold storage sites in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro and Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.
With construction set to begin this year, the project will significantly enhance the agricultural logistics network and support farmers’ cooperatives in ensuring efficient distribution and storage. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve the agricultural supply chain through better infrastructure and cold chain systems.
