Food security hub in Cebu ecozone eyed
‘The project will enhance food security, promote inclusive economic growth, and position Cebu as key food logistics hub in the Visayas.’
Daily Tribune‘The project will enhance food security, promote inclusive economic growth, and position Cebu as key food logistics hub in the Visayas.’
CEBU Governor Pamela Baricuatro
PHOTO courtesy of Cebu Province/FB
Cebu will have an additional agricultural trading post with cold storage facility in the provincial government’s planned expansion area for the economic zone in Naga City.
Called the Food Security Hub (FSH), it will be constructed in a 5-hectare portion of the 22-hectare Balili property owned by the provincial government.
The Department of Agriculture will fund the construction of the FSH — estimated at P1 billion — through public-private partnership.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the project is expected to break ground within the next few months.
It will improve farmers’ access to market and raise their income by having a place to sell their produce directly to consumers.
Mayor Valdemar Chiong said the FSH will complement the Naga city government’s plan of generating jobs in the expanded economic zone.
The Filipino-Cebu Business Club Inc. (FilCEB) welcomes and strongly supports the establishment of the FSH.
“We believe this initiative will strengthen food supply chains, reduce logistics costs, create jobs, and open new opportunities for MSMEs, farmers, cooperatives, and food processors,” said FilCEB president Rey Calooy.
“This is a timely and forward-looking project that will enhance food security, promote inclusive economic growth, and position Cebu as key food logistics hub in the Visayas,” he added.
According to Calooy, the food hub will serve as a strategic center for food aggregation, storage processing and distribution, which would help ensure a stable and affordable food supply while attracting investments in agriculture, logistics and food manufacturing.