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The Department of Agriculture (DA) is accelerating the rollout of cold storage facilities and agri-logistics infrastructure across the country, with Central Luzon seen as a key hub for agricultural trade and food security
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A centerpiece of the DA’s logistics agenda is the Cold Storage Expansion Project, which involves construction of Modular and Mega Cold Storage Warehouses in strategic agricultural zones nationwide
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is accelerating the rollout of cold storage facilities and agri-logistics infrastructure across the country, with Central Luzon seen as a key hub for agricultural trade and food security, a senior official said.
Assistant Secretary for Logistics Daniel Atayde delivered this message at the 4th Central Luzon Transport & Trade Conference & Exhibit 2026, held on May 29 at the Widus Hotel Clark Ballroom, Clark Freeport Zone. The event was organized by PortCalls and the Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association, Inc. (PMTLAI).
“The Department of Agriculture recognizes that an efficient, resilient, and sustainable logistics system is fundamental to national food security and economic growth,” Atayde said in his message to conference organizers, participants, partners, and stakeholders.
The conference was held under the theme “Unlocking High-Value Opportunities in the Central Luzon Corridor,” with one of its sessions focused on “Securing the Plate: Regional Strategies for Sustainable Food Systems.”
Cold storage flagship initiative
A centerpiece of the DA’s logistics agenda is the Cold Storage Expansion Project, a flagship initiative under the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 (Republic Act 8435). The project involves the construction of Modular and Mega Cold Storage Warehouses in strategic agricultural zones nationwide.
Modular cold storage warehouses are designed for flexibility and rapid deployment in key production areas, while Mega Cold Storage Warehouses — with capacities of up to 8,000 pallet positions — will serve as central storage hubs for high-volume agricultural regions to ensure seamless supply chain operations.
The Agricultural and Fisheries Logistics Office (AFLO), established under Department Order No. 1, Series of 2025, is leading efforts to maintain high operational standards, strict temperature controls, and synchronized supply chain movement across these facilities.
