Senator Kiko Pangilinan expressed serious concerns over reports that cold storage facilities are saturated with imported agricultural products, preventing local farmers from accessing essential storage services.
This situation could worsen post-harvest losses and threaten national food security.
The chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform plans to invite cold storage operators to a hearing on the current challenges facing the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
Noting that cold storage facilities play a critical role in preserving agricultural produce, he said that the proper access to and use of these facilities stabilize food supply and ensure fair market prices.
Complaints from farmers, however, indicate not only limited access to these facilities but also high fees and preferential treatment for large traders or importers. Such practices have effectively excluded small-scale food producers from using cold storage facilities.
“Mukhang pinupuwera, sinasadyang hindi bigyan ng cold storage ‘yung ating mga magsisibuyas para ibenta ng palugi dito sa mga trader.”
“So isa ‘yan, sa susunod na hearing natin, ipapatawag natin lahat ng cold storage operators pati mga trader. Mukhang pinipuwera, sinasadyang hindi bigyan ng cold storage ‘yung ating mga magsisibuyas para ibenta nang palugi dito sa mga trader na ito. Kaya bubusisiin natin ‘yan,” Pangilinan said in a radio interview.
The veteran legislator explained that onions can last from six to nine months in cold storage, while they tend to rot easily when not stored properly.
The seasoned lawmaker also called out the government for its ongoing import of onions during the harvest season, warning against abusive traders who may be responsible for the alleged restriction of farmers’ access to cold storage facilities, which forces them to sell their produce to the traders at lower prices.
“Kayo mismo sasampahan namin ng kaso na agri-economic sabotage kapag nakita ang ebidensya.”
“We are warning you. Wag niyo kaming paikutin dito at kayo mismo sasampahan namin ng kaso na agri-economic sabotage kapag nakita ang ebidensya,” the senator stressed.
A long-time champion of empowering farmers and fisherfolk, Pangilinan reaffirmed his commitment to advancing policies that protect farmers’ and fisherfolk’s welfare and strengthen the agricultural sector, including investments in post-harvest infrastructure and support services.
