Romualdez supports initiative to modernize, expand cold chain system

MANILA, Philippines — The government’s initiative to modernize and expand the country’s cold chain system, an infrastructure aimed at “improving the livelihood of fisherfolk” nationwide, will receive support from the lower chamber, reelected Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez vowed on Sunday.

Romualdez’s statement came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr inspected the General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC), which houses the country’s tuna industry. The chief executive’s visit follows the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) major projects at the port — the expansion and improvement of GSFPC Package II; and the construction of the GSFPC cold storage.

READ: DA lines up P3-billion cold chain package

“The increase in fish ports and cold storage facilities will greatly help to lower the transportation and production costs of our fishermen. They can count on the support of Congress to build more innovative and modern facilities,” the lawmaker, who served as the chamber’s speaker during the 19th Congress, said.

(The increase in fish ports and cold storage facilities will greatly help to lower the transportation and production costs of our fishermen. They can count on the support of Congress to build more innovative and modern facilities.)

Marcos visited General Santos City last week, where he emphasized the need for more modern fish ports and expansion of cold chain facilities in Region XII (Soccsksargen). He also highlighted the installations’ vital role in “preserving the quality and safety of perishable goods, such as food, vaccines, and medicines.”

Aside from the improvements in the country’s cold chain system, the President assured fishermen of reduced production and transportation costs. /cb