Philippines fast-tracks cold chain expansion

PHILIPPINES: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture has allocated the equivalent of US$53m to build around 99 cold storage facilities aimed at extending the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and other high-value crops. 

With construction starting this year, the warehouses will feature hybrid systems, designed to operate on both renewable energy sources – such as solar and wind – and electricity from the main power grid. This approach ensures efficient and environmentally sustainable operations, especially in remote or underserved agricultural areas.

Agriculture secretary Francisco P Tiu Laurel Jr said that the DA is fast-tracking its cold chain expansion through the rollout of modular and mega cold storage warehouses (CSWs) in major agricultural regions.

“These facilities are designed to be scalable and adaptable, with modular features that accommodate local conditions while maintaining operational efficiency and integrity,” he explained.

Mega CSWs, he added, are being developed to handle large-volume storage, with capacities ranging from 1,700 to over 8,000 pallet positions, serving key production and distribution hubs nationwide.

To support a comprehensive logistics ecosystem, the infrastructure will also include refrigerated vans, dryers, tramlines, packaging equipment, and ice plants.

“We also recognise that cold storage infrastructure is only one part of the equation,” agriculture secretary Francisco P Tiu Laurel Jr said. “The development of food hubs and agri-fisheries ports – while more extensive in scope and requiring longer timelines – remains a critical long-term priority.”

Beyond boosting storage capacity, the DA secretary said the network of facilities will help strengthen regional aggregation, streamline distribution, and improve market access—connecting producers directly with consumers to stabilise supply and lower food prices.

Speaking at the the Cold Chain Association of the Philippines (CCAP) annual membership meeting on June 19, Tiu Laurel called on support from the association, stressing that CCAP’s technical expertise and support were vital in turning the strategic infrastructure programme into reality.