A THREE-YEAR food logistics action plan is making its way up the approval chain and could require legislation or an executive order (EO) to implement, the Department of Trade and Industry said.
Trade Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo said during Post-State of the Nation Address discussions in Pasay City late Tuesday that the plan will reduce logistics costs and improve the flow of agricultural products to their markets.
The action plan “has been presented to the economic development group. We hope (to gain approval) because we will need legislation or an executive order to do this,” Ms. Castelo said.
Ms. Castelo said the action plan’s six points include the upgrading of food terminals and the establishment of additional food hubs.
She also said “agro-industrial business corridors” could be organized around Baguio, Bataan, Clark, Cavite, and other areas, Ms. Castelo said.
The plan also features a proposal to impose moratoriums on pass-through fees and additional port fees and charges, as well as legislation to regulate high international shipping charges.
The strategy also calls for increasing investment in logistics infrastructure, including transportation and storage.
“We want a cold chain integrated distribution system. That is the full implementation of the system that is provided by the Philippine Cold Chain industry roadmap,” Ms. Castelo said.
Ms. Castelo said the plan also calls for addressing gaps in the supply chain, including post-harvest management, market linkages, market information, and access to financing.
She added that another component of the plan is to step up enforcement against hoarding, smuggling, overstaying of food imports at the ports, and more comprehensive monitoring of warehouses or cold storage facilities. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
