The construction of the new Pioneer Cold Storage (PCS) facility was commemorated with a groundbreaking luncheon held on 26 March at the Pioneer House Makati Boardroom.

The original PCS facility, built in 1967, was a visionary project at a time when modern cold storage options were scarce in the country — an enterprise the founders of Pioneer Insurance believed was worth pursuing.

Recognizing the need for modernization, today’s successors initiated the demolition of the original structure in November 2024 to make way for a more advanced facility designed to meet present-day requirements and industry demands.

“This event marked a significant milestone in modernizing cold storage infrastructure in the country, ensuring improved capacity and efficiency for the industry,” said Pioneer Group head Lorenzo Chan Jr.

In addition to Chan, the luncheon brought together key Pioneer leaders, including Pioneer Real Estate Development and Management head and PCS project director Jeremy Coyukiat, Pioneer Shared Financials head Tina de Guzman, and Pioneer Shared Services head Earl Ferrer.

Also in attendance were special guests and project partners: D.M. Consunji Inc. president Jorge Consunji, Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco, Quadstruct Inc. president Roberto Niebres, Design Coordinates, Inc. president Sonny Salvacion, Meinhardt Philippines, Inc. vice president Alfredo Rodriguez, and LCA Core Sdn Bhd. COO Lars Amstrup.

Located near the Port of Manila, the half-hectare PCS facility will feature elevated flooring to prevent flooding, increased storage capacity of over 5,000 pallets, full backup power for freezing and chilled storage, and solar panels to support sustainable 24/7 operations. The facility is expected to begin operations in the latter half of 2026.

“While we work toward realizing our ambitious plans for the new Pioneer Cold Storage, we are guided by the same integrity, excellence, and malasakit that our shareholders have infused into their other ventures, such as insurance. As the current stewards of the business, we renew our commitment to live up to our name — to pioneer innovations and better practices for Filipinos in everything we pursue,” Chan concluded.