-
The Department of Agriculture is considering locating a bio-safe examination facility at Subic Bay Freeport Zone to ensure the security of agriculture, fisheries, and fertilizer supply chains against risks of smuggling and disease
-
The facility is part of government initiatives under the P1-billion Bio-Safe biosecurity program for 2026, which aims to examine all agricultural products before they are even allowed entry in piers and go through Bureau of Customs processes
-
Apart from Subic, DA is also eyeing the establishment of bio-safe facilities at the Manila International Container Terminal and the Port of Davao as part of the program’s first phase
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering locating a bio-safe examination facility at Subic Bay Freeport Zone to ensure the security of agriculture, fisheries, and fertilizer supply chains against risks of smuggling and disease, according to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).
The DA-Inspectorate and Enforcement (DA-IE) unit recently met with SBMA officials to discuss the establishment of a bio-safe facility in strategic locations in the country.
The establishment of such a facility is part of the government initiatives under the P1-billion Bio-Safe biosecurity program for 2026, which aims to examine all agricultural products before they are even allowed entry in the piers and go through Bureau of Customs (BOC) processes.
In addition to the Port of Subic bio-safe facilities at the Manila International Container Terminal and the Port of Davao as part of the program’s first phase are eyed, according to the DA-IE.
The Bio-Safe biosecurity program aims to strengthen border controls, enhance on-ground enforcement against smuggling, and prevent food supply disruptions and price shocks.
Its core objectives include preventing disease outbreaks, specifically targeting transboundary animal diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF) and avian influenza (bird flu) to prevent supply shocks and price spikes.
Another objective is to strengthen border control by enhancing the detection rate of agricultural smuggling, tightening sanitary/phytosanitary filters on imports, and economic protection, which aims to avoid massive industry losses, such as the estimated P200 billion lost due to past ASF outbreaks.
