MANILA, Philippines – Ipinanukala sa Kamara ang batas na magtatayo ng cold storage facilities sa bawat rehiyon sa bansa upang masiguro ang food security.
Inihain nina Cavite lawmakers Lani at anak na si Jolo Revilla, maging si Agimat party-list representative Bryan Revilla, ang House Bill 10087 o ang Cold Storage for Food Security Act.
“Food security is a critical concern that needs to be addressed by the government, especially in the Philippines where agriculture is a major contributor to the economy. Despite the country’s abundant resources, food security remains a challenge due to various factors such as inadequate infrastructure, climate change, and natural disasters, and one of the major factors contributing to food insecurity is post-harvest losses,” saad sa explanatory note ng mga Revilla.
“To address the issue of post-harvest losses, there is a need to establish cold storage facilities in every region of the country. Cold storage facilities can help reduce post-harvest losses, as well as improve the quality and safety of food products, thereby increasing their value and marketability,” dagdag pa nila.
Ang post-harvest losses, anang Revillas, ay tinatayang nasa 30% para sa mga prutas at gulay at hanggang 50% naman para sa ilang fish at meat products.
“In view of the foregoing, it is imperative to pass this bill into law,” sinabi pa ng mga mambabatas.
Sinasabi rin sa panukala ng mga ito na ang pondo sa paglikha ng cold storage facilities ay kukunin mula sa
General Appropriations Act o national budget, at bibigyang-prayoridad ang mga rehiyon at lugar na may mataas na high food production ngunit hindi gaanong natututukan.
Magbibigay din ang panukala ng insentibo sa private entities na mag-iinvest sa pagtatayo ng cold storage facilities.
Kabilang sa mga insentibong ito ay ang tax holidays, exemptions, discounts, subsidies, at iba pang uri ng financial assistance.
Noong Enero, sinabi ni Department of Agriculture chief Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. na kailangan ng bansa ng halos P1.3 bilyon halaga ng investment para makapagtayo ng kinakailangang imprastruktura para sa agricultural sector sa susunod na tatlong taon. RNT/JGC
