A KOREAN government-funded cold-chain and distribution hub was inaugurated in Palawan, aiming to strengthen the coastal economy and improve market access for fisherfolk across the province.
Funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) and implemented by Good Neighbors in partnership with the municipalities of El Nido and Taytay, the Palawan provincial government, and local fisherfolk cooperatives, the Northern Palawan Cold Chain and Distribution Hub for Seafood project forms part of a three-year P82.6-million initiative running from 2024 to 2026.
The facility, located near key fishing grounds, is equipped with a 10-ton cold and frozen storage, a two-ton ice-making machine, and two refrigerated trucks. Operated by local cooperatives, it is designed to keep seafood fresher for longer, expand cooperative distribution networks, and develop additional income sources such as sea cucumber and seaweed aquaculture.
Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa of the Republic of Korea said the hub underscores the commitment of the Korean government, Koica, and Korean non-government organizations to work with Philippine partners for “sustainable, inclusive development.” Good Neighbors Global Impact Foundation secretary general Jinyoung Hyun added that the project directly addresses the challenge of enabling fisherfolk to sell at better prices through improved storage and logistics.
Beyond infrastructure, the initiative includes technical training on fisheries value chains, support for aquaculture and climate-smart livelihoods, provision of logistics equipment, and buyer-matching programs to connect producers to wider markets.
With its combined investment in facilities and capacity-building, the Northern Palawan hub is expected to become a central seafood distribution point in the region, generating higher incomes and long-term economic resilience for coastal communities. / KOC