The Department of Agriculture (DA) has committed to constructing a P35-million modular cold storage facility for high-value crops in Zambales by early 2026 as part of a comprehensive support package for the province’s farmers and fisherfolk.
The aid package was turned over by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and included the distribution of various resources designed to boost agricultural and aquaculture output.
Farmers received hybrid seeds, farm machinery such as multi-cultivators, hand tractors, and four-wheel drive tractors, as well as shallow tube wells to enhance irrigation.
The DA also deployed a Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL) to help farmers assess soil conditions, which will inform the correct use of fertilizer and other inputs to improve soil management and crop productivity.
Livestock raisers benefited from the distribution of goats, cattle, housing modules and disinfectants. Fisherfolk were provided with a 62-footer fishing vessel, with five more vessels to follow, in addition to tilapia and catfish fingerlings to increase aquaculture production.
The DA also vowed to deliver 150 greenhouse units equipped with drip irrigation systems for high-value crops like bell pepper, ginger, tomato and carrot.
The crops are expected to supply major markets in Clark, Pampanga; Subic, Zambales; and Metro Manila.
