PILI, CamSur – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., together with Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. and Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund “Lray” Villafuerte, Jr., visited and inspected the Fruits and Vegetables Processing Plant and the Bicol Mega Cold Storage Facility located in San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur on March 23, 2026.
During his visit, President Marcos highlighted the importance of empowering farmers through better organization and participation in decision-making. He noted that facilities such as cold storage and processing centers should be managed at the local level to ensure that added value directly benefits producers. By decentralizing storage systems and improving access to agricultural inputs, the government aims to build a more efficient and farmer-centered agricultural sector.
The officials toured the 7.5-hectare CamSur Food Complex, which houses the Fruits and Vegetables Processing Plant, Bio-Fertilizer Plant, Coconut Processing Plant, Bicol Mega Food Terminal, and the Bicol Mega Cold Storage Facility, and support facilities.
The Fruits and Vegetables Processing Plant enables producers to move beyond raw commodities into higher-value processed products. Currently, the plant has facilities to operate a calamansi and mango puree line, along with processing lines for sweet potato (kamote) and ube.
The Bicol Mega Cold Storage Facility, meanwhile, addresses gaps in agricultural support systems, including delays in input delivery and the lack of accessible storage infrastructure. It features six cold storage units for chicken, seafood, beef, pork, fruits, and vegetables, with a total cold storage capacity of 2,668 pallets or 1,344,000 kg. of goods. By extending the shelf life of perishable goods, the facility helps reduce spoilage, stabilize supply, and improve market timing—ultimately increasing farmers’ incomes while helping ensure more stable food prices for consumers.
Melany Sumalde, a vegetable farmer and secretary of the SamaKami Vegetable Growers Association in Iriga City, welcomed the establishment of a cold storage facility in the province.
“Ako po ay isang magsasaka, at dito po namin kinukuha ang aming pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan. Karaniwan po, sa Iriga namin dinadala at ibinebenta ang aming ani, at mayroon din kaming satellite market sa Inorogan,” she shared, adding that they are currently planting ube, gabi, and luya for the summer season.
She explained that when harvests are abundant, they seek additional buyers to move their produce more efficiently, as their earnings support both their daily needs and their children’s education.
Sumalde emphasized that the mega cold storage will be especially helpful during peak harvest periods, helping prevent spoilage and reduce losses. “Malaking tulong po ang pagkakaroon ng ganitong programa mula sa gobyerno. Kapag napakarami ng ani at hindi agad naibebenta, mahalaga na may mapaglalagyan nito upang hindi masira. Sa ganitong paraan, maibebenta pa namin ito at maiiwasan ang pagkalugi.”
The visit also marked the launch of the Kadiwa sa Barangay in the province. Under the initiative, the Provincial Government will rework phased-out jeepneys into mobile markets to be positioned across municipalities, allowing farmers to sell directly to consumers at more affordable prices while reducing reliance on middlemen.
During the visit and inspection, President Marcos and Sec. Tiu were also able to get a taste of the Coco Cola, Calamansi Cola, and Mangosteen Cola, value-added beverages being produced in the food complex.
An Ugnayan with Farmers was also conducted by the DA Regional Office V, bringing together farmers’ and fisherfolk associations from Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and Albay for a dialogue with the agency’s banner program focal persons.
