Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative TEODORICO “NONONG” T. HARESCO, JR. 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING FOOD SECURITY COLD STORAGE FACILITIES IN EVERY 
PROVINCE OF THE COUNTRY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Food security is a crucial aspect of any nation's well-being, and the Philippines is no 
exception. One of the ways to ensure food security is to have adequate storage facilities for 
perishable goods, such as fruits and vegetables. In order to achieve this, it is important to enact 
laws that require the establishment of cold storage facilities in every province of the country. 
Cold storage facilities play a crucial role in maintaining food security by preserving 
perishable goods for longer periods of time. This can help to reduce food waste and ensure a 
steady supply of fresh produce, which can help to stabilize prices and reduce inflation. 
Additionally, cold storage facilities can protect stored food from pests and disease, helping to 
maintain food safety. 
The establishment of cold storage facilities can also improve the efficiency of the 
country's food distribution and supply chains, as well as support local farmers by providing 
them with a place to store and sell their crops. This can help to increase the availability of 
agricultural goods, reducing the dependence on seasonal pricing, and increasing the income of 
farmers. 
January 30, 2023
4:18 pm
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In a country like the Philippines where the agricultural sector has the capacity and 
capabilities to produce basic commodities for the whole country, having cold storage facilities 
alongside an agricultural import substitution policy can facilitate a harmonious ecosystem for 
producers and consumers while promoting food security and self-sustainability. 
Overall, the implementation of laws requiring the establishment of food security cold 
storage facilities in every province in the Philippines can help to ensure food security and 
reduce inflation and rising prices of agricultural goods in the Philippines. By ensuring the 
preservation and safety of perishable basic goods, the country can take a significant step 
towards a more sustainable and stable food system. At the same time, when we support local 
government units to be self-sustaining, we disincentivize the ubiquity of smuggling and 
hoarding in the country. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
TEODORICO T. HARESCO, JR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative TEODORICO “NONONG” T. HARESCO, JR. 
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 House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress  assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Food Security Cold Storage 
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Facilities Act". 
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SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy.— The State recognizes the importance of food security 
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in ensuring the well-being of its citizens. To this end, the State declares it as a policy to establish 
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cold storage facilities in every province of the country to preserve perishable goods, and 
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improve food security. The State recognizes that cold storage facilities play a crucial role in 
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reducing food waste, ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce, and maintaining food safety. 
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The State further recognizes that the establishment of cold storage facilities can improve the 
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efficiency of the food supply chain, support local farmers, and increase the availability of 
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agricultural goods. 
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It is hereby declared as a policy of the State to provide the necessary support to establish and 
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operate cold storage facilities in every surplus-producing local government units in all 
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provinces of the country. The State shall promote the use of cold storage facilities by farmers 
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and food processors to ensure the preservation and safety of perishable goods and ensure the 
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well-being of the people. 
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SECTION 3. Establishment of Food Security Cold Storage Facilities in Every Province. — 
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There shall be established a food security cold storage facility center in every province in the 
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country in order to ensure the preservation and safety of perishable goods, such as crops, fruits, 
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and vegetables, and improve food security. 
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Existing structures that would meet the minimum requirements or could be upgraded to 
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effectively serve as cold storage facilities could be designated as such in compliance with the 
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local government unit concerned. 
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SECTION 4. Defining Food Security Cold Storage Facilities. – Food security cold storage 
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facilities refer to infrastructure designed to preserve perishable goods, such as crops, fruits, and 
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vegetables, and maintain their quality and safety. These facilities are equipped with 
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temperature-controlled rooms, refrigeration units, and other necessary equipment to ensure that 
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food products are stored at the right temperature and conditions. 
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The purpose of food security cold storage facilities is to improve food security by reducing 
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food waste and ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce. These infrastructures shall utilize 
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renewable energy, provide water efficiency, and if possible, make use of sustainable materials. 
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SECTION 5. Implementing Agency. — Department of Agriculture shall work with the local 
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government units to establish cold storage facilities in every province of the country. The 
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facilities shall be established in a manner that will ensure their accessibility to farmers and food 
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processors in the area. 
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SECTION 6. Operationalization and Management. – The local government units shall be 
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responsible for the operationalization of the cold storage facilities in their respective provinces. 
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The Department of Agriculture shall provide the necessary technical and financial assistance 
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to ensure the effective operation of the facilities. 
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SECTION 7. Incentives. – The State shall provide incentives to private entities and local 
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government units that will establish and operate cold storage facilities in accordance with this 
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provision. The incentives may include tax exemptions, subsidies, and other forms of financial 
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support. 
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SECTION 8. Monitoring and Evaluation. – The Department of Agriculture shall monitor and 
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evaluate the performance of the cold storage facilities and shall take necessary measures to 
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ensure their effectiveness in improving food security and reducing food waste. 
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SECTION 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the 
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effectivity of this Act, the Department of Agriculture shall, in consultation with local 
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government units, and other concerned  government and private agencies, promulgate the 
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necessary rules and regulations to carry out the  provisions of this Act. 
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SECTION 10. Appropriation. – The amount necessary for the initial implementation to fund 
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the construction and maintenance of food security cold storage facilities shall be charged under 
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the Department of Agriculture. Thereafter, such amounts necessary for the construction of food 
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security cold storage facilities shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The 
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LGU concerned shall provide for the continued maintenance, operation and management of the 
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facility. 
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SECTION 11. Non-Impairment Clause. – Nothing in this Act shall be construed as to 
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diminish, impair, or repeal rights recognized, granted, or made available to disadvantaged, 
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marginalized, or specific sectors under existing laws. 
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SECTION 12. Separability Clause. – If any provision is held invalid or unconstitutional, the 
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remainder of the law or provision not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting. 
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SECTION 13. Repealing Clause. – Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, 
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letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with 
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the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
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SECTION 14. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
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the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
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Approved, 
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