THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday that it is pursuing the expansion of the cold chain network by deploying modular and mega cold storage warehouses in major agricultural regions.
“These facilities are designed to be scalable and adaptable, with modular features that accommodate local conditions while maintaining operational efficiency and integrity,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. told the Cold Chain Association of the Philippines at their annual meeting.
The modular warehouses are designed to handle large-volume storage, with capacities ranging from 1,700 to over 8,000 pallet positions, he added.
The facilities packages will also include refrigerated vans, dryers, tramlines, packaging equipment, and ice plants.
The DA has allocated P3 billion to build, starting this year, around 99 cold storage facilities aimed at extending the shelf life of fruit, vegetables, and other high-value crops.
The refrigerated warehouses will feature hybrid systems, which are designed to operate on both renewable energy sources — such as solar and wind — and electricity from the main power grid.
“This approach ensures efficient and environmentally sustainable operations, especially in remote or underserved agricultural areas,” the DA said.
“We also recognize that cold storage infrastructure is only one part of the equation,” Mr. Laurel said. “The development of food hubs and agri-fisheries ports — while more extensive in scope and requiring longer timelines — remains a critical long-term priority.” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza