The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to construct cold storage facilities in Region XII this year to improve storage of various fresh fruits, vegetables, and other high-value crops.This initiative falls under the Cold Storage Expansion Project, a P3 billion program jointly funded for 2024 and 2025, targeting the construction of 99 sustainable, hybrid-powered cold storage units across the country.
As they get ready to launch, DA Assistant Secretary for Logistics Daniel Alfonso Atayde, together with DA Regional Field Office XII Executive Director Roberto T. Perales, led a two-day site assessment from July 22 to 23,2025 in several identified locations. These include Alabel in Sarangani, Isulan in Sultan Kudarat, and M’lang in Cotabato Province, areas selected in coordination with local government units (LGUs) for their accessibility and potential impact on local farming communities.
During the site visits, the DA team met with LGU officials and farmers’ groups to align the project with local development plans and ensure that future facilities will be community-driven and managed sustainably.
The cold storage facilities will use a hybrid system combining renewable energy and grid electricity, designed for energy efficiency and sustainability. The project is part of the DA’s broader goal to modernize the country’s agricultural value chain and enhance food security.
“These facilities will play a critical role in preserving the quality of produce, minimizing post-harvest losses, and ensuring better market access for our farmers.Through improved logistics, we aim to support both producers and consumers by stabilizing supply and prices,” said Asec. Atayde.
With the planned facilities, in Region XII, the DA reaffirms its commitment to delivering lasting infrastructure solutions that directly address the challenges of rural food systems, particularly in reducing farm losses and increasing farmer income. (Vivien Valero Valiente)
