The Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing to roll out at least nine cold storage facilities across Region XII to help reduce post-harvest losses, stabilize food supply, and boost the income of farmers and fisherfolk.
DA RFO XII OIC- Regional Executive Director John B. Pascual said that these cold storage facilities are designed to be both sustainable and cost-efficient. He explained that the refrigerated container van will operate as hybrid facilities, drawing power from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, while remaining connected to the main power grid to ensure reliable and environmentally friendly operations.
The facility aims to preserve the quality and freshness of agricultural and fishery products, including vegetables, fruits, meat, fisheries and other commodities. Each facility occupies a 400-square-meter area with a project cost of almost Php15M. Each cold storage will be equipped with essential components such as a chiller room, unloading and staging area, processing and washing area, genset room, powerhouse, and a renewable energy system, ensuring efficient, reliable, and sustainable operations.
Out of the nine projects, four are expected to be completed within the year, with sites located in Brgy. GPS, Koronadal City, South Cotabato; Brgy. Alkikan, Malungon, Sarangani Province; and in Brgy. New Isabela, Tacurong City, as well as Brgy. Poblacion, Bagumbayan, in Sultan Kudarat. The remaining five projects are currently undergoing validation and completion of required documents, in close coordination with concerned local government units and farmer cooperatives.
Once operational, the cold storage facilities will provide farmers, cooperatives, and agri-based enterprises with access to modern storage infrastructure. This will allow them to extend the shelf life of their produce, reduce spoilage, and strengthen their position in both local and institutional markets.
Director Pascual further explained that these projects support the national government’s push for food security, value chain development, and agri-industrialization. “By improving post-harvest facilities, the cold storage facilities are expected to help manage supply during peak harvest seasons and ease price fluctuations in local markets”, he added.
The rollout of these cold storage facilities underscores the DA’s continued commitment to modernizing agriculture in SOCCSKARGEN and empowering farmers and fisherfolk through resilient, market-driven infrastructures. (CLEOFE LYN LAGDAMEN)