Philippines Plans P93 Billion Investment in Post-Harvest Facilities to Boost Rice and Corn Production

The Philippines is set to invest P93 billion over the next three years to improve post-harvest facilities, addressing challenges in rice and corn production, according to Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. He discussed this ambitious plan during a sectoral meeting with President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., emphasizing that enhancing post-harvest facilities is crucial to reducing annual losses of 12.7 to 15 percent in rice production. The allocated budget is expected to save approximately P10 billion per year by curbing rice and corn wastage.

The three-year plan, titled "Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas," includes a focus on cold storage, with P1 billion budgeted for the current year, targeting vegetable-related issues, particularly in Luzon. However, an additional P5 billion is required by 2025 to address the nationwide vegetable cold storage challenges. Laurel stressed the need for substantial investment in post-harvest facilities to improve product recovery and decrease the overall cost of rice and corn.

Under the Masagana Agri-Food Infrastructure Modernization (MAFIM) program, the Department of Agriculture plans to invest in various projects, including the construction of facilities in Dingras, Ilocos Norte, Concepcion, Tarlac, Dumangas, Iloilo, and Musuan Maramag, Bukidnon. The MAFIM program encompasses the development and improvement of post-harvest systems and infrastructure, as well as expanding agri-fishery areas and modernizing agriculture and fishery production systems. The initiative also aims to reorganize the agency, making it less regulatory but still effective and developmental in regulations and food safety.