DA, SBMA ink deal on PH’s first cold inspection facility in agriculture

Port operations at the Subic Bay Freeport(Photo courtesy of SBMA)

MANILA, Philippines— The Department of Agriculture (DA) has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to build a cold examination facility in agriculture (CEFA) which seeks to help deter smuggling in the freeport zone.

In a statement posted on its website, DA said its Secretary William Dar and SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma inked the deal on Friday.

The new facility, which will be located on a 2,000-square meter property under SBMA, will inspect imported containerized agri-fishery commodities.

It will also house examination areas and laboratories that will aid the Bureau of Animal Industry, Bureau of Plant Industry, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in implementing quarantine and inspection rules.

Once completed, it will be the country’s first CEFA, which will help in boosting the country’s food safety regulatory system.

Eisma welcomed the partnership with the agricultural department, which she said will strengthen industrial and commercial activities, and facilitate trade in the freeport.

Last week, authorities confiscated in Subic Port P70-million worth of assorted vegetables allegedly smuggled into the country from China.

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