State-of-the-Art Cold Storage Facility to Launch in Pili
A new P500 million cold storage facility will soon rise in Barangay San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur, promising to transform the local agricultural landscape. The Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed that this modern structure will be fully operational by January 2026. This facility is designed to maintain a steady temperature of 5 degrees Celsius, acting as a giant refrigerator to preserve a variety of agricultural products.
Officials reported that the cold storage facility will help farmers extend the shelf life of their vegetables, livestock products, and even seedlings. This innovation allows producers to better manage their inventory, reduce spoilage, and strategically time their sales to maximize profits. “This is exactly what President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. envisions to help our farmers earn more and have greater control over their marketing activities,” Laurel said during the project’s launch.
Strategic Location and Complementary Facilities
Situated in San Jose village, the cold storage complements nearby agricultural infrastructures, including a coconut processing center. Community members noted that this synergy will enhance the value chain for local farmers and producers, creating a more efficient agricultural hub in the region.
Introducing the Bagsakan ng Bayan Trading Post
In addition to the cold storage, the Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymond “Lray” Villafuerte, plans to develop a 10-hectare Bagsakan ng Bayan—a centralized trading post. This facility will serve farmers from Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte, providing a vital marketplace for fresh produce. Officials reported that the cost for this trading post is still being finalized but will be constructed alongside the cold storage facility.
Local leaders highlighted that the Bagsakan ng Bayan will not only function as a distribution and trading center but also act as a key conduit for delivering fresh agricultural goods to Metro Manila markets. “With these facilities, Camarines Sur will become a major agricultural hub in Bicol,” Laurel emphasized.
Boosting Farmers’ Income and Market Access
Community members expressed optimism that the cold storage facility and trading post will empower farmers by reducing post-harvest losses and expanding market reach. By stabilizing inventories and improving product quality, producers can negotiate better prices and increase their earnings. These developments align with government goals to strengthen agriculture and rural economies in the Bicol region.
In sum, the P500 million cold storage facility and the accompanying Bagsakan ng Bayan are poised to revolutionize agricultural marketing and distribution in Bicol. They promise to enhance farmers’ livelihoods and position Camarines Sur as a key player in the region’s food supply chain.
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