Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._1711

Introduced by Rep. ANGELO MARCOS BARBA
2" District, Ilocos Norte

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The primary goal of this proposed measure is to address the pressing
issue of food security and significant hurdles in storing perishable goods such
as fruits and vegetables.

The limited shelf life of vegetables, coupled with issues like pests and
diseases adversely affect both production and quality of the vegetable
industry.

In order to ensure a stable market and sustainable food security, it is
imperative to establish cold food storage infrastructure in every province.

The Department of Agriculture (DA), in collaboration with Local
Government Units (LGUs), shall identify, evaluate, and create a roadmap for
the implementation of cold storage infrastructure. Furthermore, the state
shall provide incentives to private and local entities involved in this endeavor.

If enacted into law, this has a potential to enhance profits for the
farmers and create a reliable market especially for the consumers. Such
infrastructure can address inflation, smuggling, and market unpredictability.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.

ANGE! (COS BARBA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1711

House Bill No.

Introduced by Rep. ANGELO MARCOS BARBA
2™ District, Ilocos Norte

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING FOOD SECURITY COLD STORAGE
FACILITIES IN EVERY PROVINCE OF THE COUNTRY AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Food Security
Cold Storage Facilities Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State acknowledges the critical
role of food security in safeguarding the welfare of its citizens and recognizes
that cold storage facilities play a pivotal role in minimizing food wastage and
upholding food security standards.

Furthermore, the State acknowledges that the establishment of cold
storage facilities in every province can enhance the sustainable food supply
chain and bolster local farmers’ support.

The State shall likewise actively promote the utilization of cold storage
facilities by farmers and food processors to guarantee the preservation, thus
securing the well-being of the people.

SECTION 3. Establishment of Food Security Cold Storage Facilities in
Every Province. — There shall be a food security cold storage facility center
established in every province in the country to ensure the preservation and
safety of perishable goods, such as crops, fruits, and vegetables, and likewise
improve food security. Existing structures that would meet the minimum
requirements or could be upgraded to effectively serve as cold storage facilities
shall be designated as such in compliance with the local government units
(LGUs) concerned.

SECTION 4. Implementing Agency. — The Department of Agriculture
(DA) shall work with the LGUs to establish cold storage facilities in every
province of the country. The facility shall be established in a manner that will
ensure their accessibility to farmers and food processors in the area.


The DA shall identify the roadmap for establishment, management, and
operation of cold storage facilities. It shall coordinate closely with the heads of
provincial agricultural offices to ensure seamless implementation and
effective collaboration throughout the process.

SECTION 5. Incentives. — The State shall provide incentives to private
entities and LGUs that will establish and operate cold storage facilities in
accordance with this provision. The incentives may include tax exemptions,
subsidies, and other forms of financial support pertinent to such
establishment.

SECTION 6. Operationalization and Management. - The LGUs shall be
responsible for the operationalization of the cold storage facilities in their
respective provinces. The DA shall provide the necessary technical and
financial assistance to ensure the effective operation of the facilities.

SECTION 7. Incentives. — The State shall provide incentives to private
entities and LGUs that will establish and operate cold storage facilities in
accordance with this provision. The incentives include, but are not limited to,
tax exemptions, subsidies, and other forms of financial support.

SECTION 8. Monitoring and Evaluation. - The DA shall monitor and
evaluate the performance of the cold storage facilities and shall take necessary
measures to ensure their effectiveness in improving food security and
reducing food waste.

SECTION 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60)
days from the effectivity of this Act, the DA shall, in consultation with LGUs,
and other concerned government and private agencies, promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 10. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial
implementation to fund the construction and maintenance of food security
cold storage facilities shall be charged under the DA. Thereafter, such
amounts necessary for the construction of food security cold storage facilities
shall be included in the General Appropriations Act. The LGU concerned shall
then provide for the continued maintenance, operation, and management of
the facility.

SECTION 11. Non-Impairment Clause. — Nothing in this Act shall be
construed as to diminish, impair, or repeal rights recognized, granted, or
made available to disadvantaged, marginalized, or specific sectors under
existing laws.

SECTION 12. Separability Clause. — In case any provision of this Act is
declared unconstitutional, the other provisions shall remain in effect.

SECTION 13. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and
regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.


SECTION 14. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of
general circulation.

Approved,