DA Opens P51.5-M slaughterhouse, cold storage in CamSur
SAN JOSE, Camarines Sur — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has opened a P51.5-million slaughterhouse and inaugurated a renewable energy-powered modular cold storage facility in this town to reduce post-harvest losses, improve meat-handling services, and boost the livelihoods of farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers.
The DA also turned over similar solar- and wind-powered cold storage facilities in Garchitorena, Lagonoy, and Tigaon, bringing the total cost of the four facilities, including San Jose, to P45.5 million.
The agency further distributed P79.6 million worth of agricultural and fisheries interventions, including four-wheel-drive tractors, combine harvesters, seeds, garden tools, boats, and fishing gear.
The combined projects and interventions are expected to benefit more than 10,762 farmers, fisherfolk, and other food producers across 10 towns in Camarines Sur.
The new slaughterhouse alone is expected to serve 1,303 livestock raisers in 29 barangays. Of its P51.5-million cost, P41.2 million comes from a World Bank loan, while the remaining amount is shared equally by the local government unit and the national government.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the facilities are intended to strengthen local food supply chains, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic activity in the province.
“These facilities are investments in the livelihoods of our farmers, fisherfolk and livestock raisers. By reducing post-harvest losses, improving meat-handling services and connecting local producers to better markets, we can help them earn more from their hard work,” Tiu Laurel said.
He added that the projects could generate jobs in processing, storage, transportation, and related services while supporting economic growth in San Jose and neighboring communities.
Developed by the DA’s Agricultural and Fisheries Logistics Office, in coordination with the Bureau of Agriculture and Fishery Engineering, the cold storage facility supports the Philippine Food Chain Logistics Master Plan 2023-2033, which aims to improve the movement of agricultural products from production areas to consumer markets.
Its hybrid energy system combines solar panels, a wind turbine, battery storage, and a diesel backup generator to help maintain cooling operations. The facility is designed to operate at temperatures ranging from 1°C to 10°C, making it suitable for storing selected perishable agricultural commodities.
The modular unit also includes washing, processing, loading, and staging areas to improve produce handling before distribution. Potential beneficiaries include growers of vegetables, pineapple, sweet potato, and other high-value crops.
The investments support Republic Act No. 8435, or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997, which provides the policy framework for modernizing the country's agriculture and fisheries sectors.
The DA said the facilities are expected to help minimize food losses, improve product quality, and expand market access for local producers. Their long-term benefits, however, will depend on efficient management, reliable equipment, affordable service fees, and compliance with applicable safety and regulatory standards.
