President Marcos inspects Bicol mega cold storage facility to strengthen food security
PILI, Camarines Sur — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the inspection and ceremonial activation of the Bicol Mega Cold Storage Warehouse, a major agricultural infrastructure project aimed at improving food security and boosting farmers’ incomes in the region.
Joined by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte, the President highlighted the government’s continued push to modernize food logistics under the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act.
The P500-million facility is the first completed project under the Department of Agriculture’s Cold Storage Expansion Program. It addresses longstanding challenges in the agriculture sector, particularly the lack of dependable and energy-efficient storage and transport systems.
The warehouse features temperature-controlled storage areas designed for various products, including meat, poultry, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. With an annual capacity of over 200,000 tons, the facility is expected to benefit thousands of farmers and consumers across the region.
According to Tiu Laurel, the project reflects the administration’s goal of reducing post-harvest losses, improving farmer earnings, stabilizing food supply, and promoting rural development.
Governor Villafuerte noted that the facility will serve not only Bicol but also suppliers from the Visayas and Mindanao, reinforcing the region’s role in the national food supply chain.
In addition to storage, the complex includes processing areas for blast freezing, packaging, and product preparation, enabling producers to extend shelf life and access better market opportunities.
The project comes at a crucial time, as rising fuel costs and ongoing logistical challenges continue to affect farmers. Frequent typhoons, high transport expenses, and limited storage options have often forced producers to sell goods quickly at lower prices.
By integrating cold storage with improved logistics and transport systems, the facility aims to extend product lifespan and improve distribution efficiency.
Farmers who attended the launch welcomed the development, saying it would give them more flexibility in selling their produce and help minimize waste.
During the visit, President Marcos also inspected a P290-million Fruits and Vegetables Processing Facility in the area.
The Department of Agriculture plans to establish more cold chain facilities nationwide, forming a network that will strengthen the country’s food value chain and ensure long-term food security.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR
