LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The provincial government and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) inaugurated the upgraded Benguet Cold Chain facility on March 21, 2023. The project aims to upgrade the facility’s capacity to deliver fresh and semi-processed agricultural products through appropriate packaging technology and delivery systems.
The P15.8 million project included two additional cold storage chambers and several packaging equipment. The provincial government provided P6.2 million for the infrastructure development at the site, while the remaining P9.6 million came from DOST. The project is part of the DOST Smart Food Value Chain Program for the New Normal.
The inauguration was led by Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Leah Buendia, La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda, Benguet Provincial Agriculturist Delinia Juan, DOST-ITDI Director Dr. Annabelle Briones, DOST-CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy Bantog, and a representative of Benguet District Representative Eric Go Yap.
Diclas said the facility will help farmers reduce wastage by extending the shelf life of vegetable produce and processing their vegetables to meet certain quality standards, such as washing, cleaning, and packaging. The upgraded facility is expected to produce packaged fresh and semi-processed agricultural products.
Meanwhile, DOST Secretary Renato Umali Solidum, Jr. and DOST CAR thanked Governor Diclas for recognizing the need for the vegetable processing facility in the province.
The Benguet Cold Chain has been operating since 2004, providing services such as renting refrigerated vans, cold rooms, and crates.
The Benguet Cold Chain facility is a significant step in boosting agricultural productivity in the province. The effort of the Provincial Government and the Office of Congressman Yap in supporting farmers through farm-to-market roads and other infrastructure development projects has also been of help. With the upgraded facility, farmers can now have access to better storage and packaging solutions, which can lead to higher-quality products and increased income for their families.