In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing the nation’s food logistics sector, the Three-Year Food Logistics Action Agenda was officially introduced as part of the Development of Philippine Food Chain Logistics Masterplan (PFCLM) 2023-2030.
The said logistics master plan will guide the government and stakeholders to implement an effective, efficient, modernized, and sustainable nationwide food chain logistics system in the country which shall deliver the right product in the right quality and condition to the right place at the right time and for the right cost.
In response to Presidential Directive No. PBBM 2023-636, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) convened a significant meeting at the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) Conference Room on February 2, 2024, symbolizing a significant leap forward in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of food distribution networks across the Philippines.
The gathering aimed to align the Three-Year Logistics Action Agenda of DTI with the Development of PFCLM 2023-2030 of DA, setting a strategic roadmap to optimize agricultural and fisheries supply chains while driving overall economic development.
Standing from left to right are Ms. Monique Amante, Mr. Jonathan Cabaltera, Ms. Marlet Bagtong, Director Jhino Ilano, all from DTI, DA-BAFE Asst. Dir. Juana T. Tapel, Atty. John Paul T. Romero, Engr. Arnel L. Tenorio, and Ms. Jamaica C. Ibañez all from DA-BAFE. Seated from left to right are Ms. Lara Bettina S. JimenezUsec. Mary Jean T. Pacheco all from DTI, DA Asec. For Logistics Daniel Atayde, DA Asec. Genevieve E. Velicaria-Guevarra , Arch. Kaydee Velasco, and DA-BAFE Director Ariodear C. Rico
During the meeting, DA-BAFE Director Ariodear Rico underscored the collaborative efforts between DA and DTI in crafting the Food Logistics Masterplan. This landmark initiative, which had been presented to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., signifies a concerted effort to address the nation’s pressing logistical challenges.
Among the attendees were notable figures from both government agencies, including DA Asec. for Logistics Daniel Atayde, and DTI Usec. for Regional Operations Mary Jean Pacheco leading the DTI team. The collaboration between DTI and DA-BAFE, initiated under the Task Force for Food Security during the pandemic, highlights the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation in addressing complex logistical issues.
Usec. Pacheco’s presentation of the DTI’s 3-year logistics agenda, emphasized revolutionary changes to the food distribution system, reduction of transport costs, and promotion of public and private investments.
Under the stewardship of DA Undersecretary Zamzamin I. Ampatuan, the masterplan underwent a rigorous process of development and validation, engaging stakeholders from various government agencies and industry sectors. From inception meetings and workshops in 2022 to diagnostic assessments and validation workshops in 2023, stakeholders worked tirelessly to craft a comprehensive framework for the future of food logistics.
The funding source of the PFCLM 2023-2030 is the Spanish Government Cooperation Fund through the Asian Development Bank (Southeast Asia Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development Facility –Phase II).
Recent developments include a 3-day revalidation workshop aimed at enhancing recommendation areas and finalizing the masterplan’s logical framework. Meetings with DTI and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) further underscore the commitment to aligning the masterplan with broader logistics agendas.
DA-BAFE Asst. Dir. Tapel provided updates on the PFCLM 2023-2030, highlighting the need for synergy with DTI’s logistics agenda and pending dissemination plans in coordination with the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF).
DA Asec. Guevarra’s proposed to integrate DA and DTI food logistics plans to enhance the Kadiwa Program and revitalize the Food Terminal, Inc. (FTI) as a primary hub for Kadiwa Centers, with a focus on accrediting private entities for marketing strategies.
As the Philippines looks towards the next decade, the implementation of the Food Chain Logistics Masterplan will play a pivotal role in ensuring the timely delivery of quality food products nationwide. By fostering economic growth and bolstering food security, this initiative represents a significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards a more efficient and resilient food logistics infrastructure. ###Ralph Angelo T. Ongka, DA-BAFE