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The country’s first border inspection facilities for agricultural imports may start operations next year, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr
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The cold examination facility in agriculture in Angat, Bulacan may start operations in January or February 2025
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The CEFA in Subic, Manila and in Davao or General Santos may be operational by September 2025
The country’s first border inspection facilities for agricultural imports may start operations next year, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.
The cold examination facility in agriculture (CEFA) in Angat, Bulacan may start operations in January or February 2025 while the CEFA in Subic, Manila and in Davao or General Santos may be operational by September 2025, Tiu Laurel told media in a forum on June 26.
In July last year, the DA and Pacific Roadlink Logistics Inc. (PRLI) signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a CEFA in Angat.
READ: PH’s first border inspection facility to rise in Bulacan
DA earlier said it has earmarked P2.3 billion under its 2023 budget for the construction of the facility in Angat and two other hubs in Cebu and Davao.
The facilities are aimed at strengthening the country’s capability to conduct first border inspections; improving examination of containerized agricultural products; and helping curb agricultural smuggling.
Under the MOU, PRLI will allow use, for up to 25 years, of its 10-hectare lot along General Alejo Santos Highway for the CEFA.
About 50 kilometers north of the Port of Manila, CEFA will include a laboratory for testing all imported animal, fish, plant, and other agricultural products; an incinerator; container yard; and truck parking.
The facility will initially serve as a 24-hour off-dock customs facility to handle agricultural importations from the two country’s main ports – the Port of Manila and Manila International Container Port.
The facility will be operated by the DA’s Food Safety and Regulatory Agencies: Bureau of Animal Industry, Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and National Meat Inspection Service.
