THE Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Energy (DOE) signed a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen and expand the implementation of the existing “Palamigan ng Bayan” program.
This is a joint project of the DOTr and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for the agri-fishery sector in all feasible sites all over the country to promote the use of refrigerated container vans as cold storage to address concerns on food quality and productivity.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, DA Secretary William Dar and DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi signed the agreement.
By signing the MOA, the three agencies will collaboratively formulate and implement policies and activities necessary to ensure the success of the program, establish standard operating procedures to have a coherent coordination mechanism, ensure stability of price and steady and affordable supply of agri-fishery products in support of the food resiliency program of the DA, develop new and emerging technologies for the agri-fishery sector in collaboration with research and development institutions (RDIs) and other stakeholders, and provide technical and other support services to local farmers and fisherfolks and encourage the continuing technology innovation through public-private partnerships, joint venture arrangements, technology business incubation, contract research, management contract and other relevant and related legal instruments.
The MOA also provides for the different responsibilities that each agency shall undertake for the effective and efficient implementation of the program.
“Noon, mag-isa naming tinatanganan at itinataguyod ang proyektong Palamigan ng Bayan. Ngunit sa ating kagustuhan na mapaunlad ang proyektong ito, ngayon ay nakikipagkapit-bisig kami sa Department of Agriculture at Department of Energy upang sa gano’n, ‘yung dating nagagawa na isa, magagawa naming sampu, o isang daan. Uusad at mapapabilis ang proyektong ito. At kung uusad at mapapabilis natin ang proyektong ito, makakatulong tayong masolusyunan o mabawasan ang problema sa food shortage at presyo ng pagkain,” Tugade said.
A Joint Technical Working Group (TWG) shall be constituted from among the agencies to discuss and address all the needed policy, technical requirements and related concerns in view of the aforementioned initiative.
The “Palamigan ng Bayan,” which was launched by the DOTr in partnership with the PPA headed by General Manager Jay Santiago, aims to assist local fishermen by providing them the needed cold storage facility to help preserve their catch and maintain their freshness before distribution and delivery to local markets and other areas.
This is also part of the overall effort of the maritime sector of the DOTr to strengthen and bolster the government's response against the economic crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Also present in the event was DOTr Chief of Staff and Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Project Implementation Giovanni Z. Lopez.