Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
REGIONAL FIELD UNIT NO. 07
M. Velez St., Cebu City
BUREAU OF POSTHARVEST RESEARCH AND EXTENSION
CLSU Compound, Science City of Muoz, Nueva Ecija

FOREWORD
Agriculture has always been regarded as a vital component of the Philippine
economy. The enactment of Agriculture and Fishery Modernization Act (AFMA), known as
RA 8435 has rationalized the greater importance of postharvest as one of the major
components in strengthening the agriculture sector.
It is against this backdrop that the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension
(BPRE) formulated a nationwide postharvest development plan for agricultural development
through a bottom-up participatory and comprehensive planning process with the province
and the region as the focal system. The regional postharvest development plan packages not
only the regional profile but also inventory of postharvest facilities, production of the
identified priority commodities, recommended postharvest interventions, and shop list of
capsule project proposals. It envisioned a 10-year development plan that would propel socioeconomic development in Central Visayas.
The information included in this postharvest development plan is a result of a
collaborative project of BPRE, the Department of Agriculture- Regional Field Unit VII and
the Provincial Governments of Central Visayas through the respective Offices of Provincial
Agriculture.
We hope that in the succeeding years, when all the projects of this development plan
are realized, The region will have better chance to be more competitive not only in the
country but in East Asia as well.

RICARDO L. CACHUELA
Executive Director
DA-BPRE

RICARDO D. OBLENA
Regional Executive Director
DA-RFU VII

CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Central Visayas Region Postharvest Development Plan was formulated through
the collaboration of the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension and the Department of
Agriculture Region VII.
The Central Visayas Region Postharvest Development Plan was designed to provide a
framework for the judicious distribution and allocation of agro-industrial interventions in the
form of postharvest infrastructure and facilities to boost the development and modernization
of agriculture. This plan serves as a reference for crafting postharvest projects that are
relevant to the Region. Also, this plan serves as a reference in sourcing funds to implement
postharvest projects.
This is a 10-year development plan that contains projects addressing the pressing
concerns of the agriculture sector with special focus on the postharvest component.
Incorporated also in this development plan are project strategies and financing options for
easy reference and guide for investors, both private institutions and local government units,
so that the proposed projects would be realized.
This plan was developed through a bottom-up participatory and comprehensive
planning process. A regional consultation workshop with farmer leaders, provincial
agriculturists, assistant provincial agriculturists, assistant provincial agriculturists, planning
officers, program coordinators, provincial agricultural and fishery council chairman,
provincial and regional commodity coordinators, members of farmers cooperatives,
representatives from State Universities and Colleges of the region, Department of
Agriculture-Regional Field Unit VII, non-government organizations, National Food
Authority, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Philippine Rice Research
Institute, was conducted. Interventions were proposed to address the needs of the regional
priority commodities (rice, corn, high value commercial crops specifically mango, banana,
vegetables, ube and fisheries). From these proposed interventions, specific projects on
research and development, extension, training, policy advocacy and support programs were
crafted and validated among the stakeholders.
From among the proposed projects of the four provinces, a total of 15 were validated
and are included in this development plan. These projects include the establishment of:
modern rice processing complex, small-scale rice milling business, community-based grain
drying center, small to medium scale mechanization service center, trading post and packing
centers, agricultural tramline systems, mango hot water treatment facilities, Retrofitting of
underutilized mechanical dryers with rice hull-fed furnace, corn postharvest processing &
trading center, oyster processing centers, village-level fish processing center, seaweeds
drying centers, and modification of the ube mechanical dryer into ricehull-fed furnace,
promotion/extension of HVCC postharvest technologies/systems, and provision of mobile ice
makers.

CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

Regional and agricultural profile of the four Central Visayas provinces were
integrated and used as reference for the formulation of this postharvest development plan. A
regional inventory of existing postharvest facilities and equipment was recorded, updated and
validated on the field in collaboration with the DA-RFU VII. From this information, maps
were drawn indicating the approximate locations of different commodities and postharvest
facilities in the region.
Status of the postharvest facilities was analyzed in terms of utilization; sufficiency
levels or gaps were determined based capacities, volumes of production, losses and other
relevant parameters. Analysis showed a deficit in both rice and corn dryers, and corn shellers.
On the other hand, the region is more than sufficient in threshers, rice and corn mills and
grain storage facilities.
Moreover, through this collaborative undertaking, the BPREs database on
postharvest facilities in the Central Visayas Region was updated. The status of postharvest
infrastructure has been mapped out providing useful decision-making tool for planners,
policy makers, and research development and extension agencies.

CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

CENTRAL VISAYAS REGIONAL POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN

This part contains the postharvest development strategies for Central Visayas. The
development strategies include the proposed interventions for the regions priority
commodities with capsule project proposals, and a list of possible financing institutions. This
is the result of a series of activities of which the BPRE, DA-RFU VII and the six provincial
government units of Central Visayas had a collaborative undertaking.
A matrix of project interventions outlines the project implementation plan and the
possible timelines. The strategies in the implementation of the proposed projects include
grant and grant-like modes, build-operate-transfer, soft loan facilities and other modes
applicable under government and non-government programs. The funding of the proposed
projects can be from various funding institutions both government and private sectors. The
requirements and mechanics of funding from both the private and government sectors are
included in the plan to facilitate the access to credit and financing programs.
Postharvest Development Framework
Recognizing the significant role of postharvest in the countrys agriculture sector, this
section presents the postharvest development framework that puts together all the elements
necessary in attaining the development goals for agriculture, in general and for postharvest in
particular (Figure 26).
The postharvest development programs, projects, activities and interventions are the
vital inputs in attaining profitable and sustainable agribusiness ventures leading to improved
socio-economic well-being of the countrys farmers and fisherfolks. AFMA, DA/DILG
Memorandum Circular 11 of 2004 directing DA and LGUs to formulate a development plan
for postharvest and engineering projects, MTPDP and other DA Programs provide the thrusts
and guidelines by which all interventions are implemented.
The interventions shall address priority concerns along with the critical support
services that facilitate the implementation, adoption and/or utilization of these interventions.
Marketing support and conducive policy environments are also important elements that
ensure successful implementation of identified projects, programs and interventions.

CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

Postharvest
development
programs, projects and
activities that address
priority concerns

Identification of priority
postharvest concerns to
be addressed:

Collaboration of stakeholders
in the implementation of
programs, projects and
activities addressing
postharvest concerns

Improved and
accessible
location/task-specific
postharvest
technologies

AFMA (RA 8435)

DA/DILG -MC No. 11 (s
2004)
Fisheries Code
MTPDP
DA Programs on Rice,
Corn, HVCC and
Fisheries

- Need- or Taskspecific

Access to appropriate
technologies
Implementation of
support mechanisms
- Training
- Extension
- Marketing
- Policy advocacy
Implementation of
support mechanisms
Modernization of
agriculture and
fisheries postharvest

- DA-RFUs
- LGUs
- DA, BPRE and
other NGAs
- Farmers
Organizations
and other
NGOs
- Financial
Institutions

Support services ,
training, extension,
marketing and policy
advocacy that
encourage
technology
development and
adoption

- Location-specific

Poverty
alleviation

Food
Security

Global
Competitiveness

- Market-led
- Integrated
agribusiness
enterprise-oriented

Profitable and sustainable

agribusiness enterprises
using postharvest
technologies and facilities
Improved socio-economic
well-being of farmers and
fisherfolks

Figure 1. Postharvest development framework

At the onset, BPRE has developed postharvest technologies that address specific
needs in drying and dehydrating crops, handling and processing, food safety procedures and
interventions and other related technologies that add value, preserve quality and reduce
losses. These technologies shall, after careful consideration, be used to address specific
needs. There is therefore an inventory of technologies that provide some answers to priority
development goals of each of the regions and/or provinces of the country.
Postharvest Development Strategies
Proposed Interventions
Most of the problems in the agriculture and fishery industry of the region as identified
by the different stakeholders are on the production, postharvest, marketing and processing
aspect. There is much work to be done to increase food production and alleviate the living
condition of subsistence farmers in the provinces.

CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

The proposed interventions for each commodity were classified according to the
nature of strategies that are thought to be necessary for the agricultural development. The
proposed projects are subject to pre-feasibility studies to determine their financial and socioeconomic viability. Also, exact locations for each project will be determined during the prefeasibility phase.
Rice and Corn Industry Interventions
I. Provision/improvement/rehabilitation of production/postharvest facilities and infrastructure
The lack of postproduction/processing facilities especially for small farmers has been
one of the most serious problems plaguing the grains industry of the country. Even with
increased yields, small rice/corn farmers remain in poverty because they are forced to sell
their poorly processed produce at low prices to traders and millers. Strategies may include
the following:
1. Scanning of existing rice/corn production and postharvest systems and practices.
Appropriate machinery for tilling land, leveler, corn planter, harvester-reaperstripper, corn picker and postharvest equipment such as threshers, shellers, seed
cleaners, flatbed dryers, MPDPs, transport and storage facilities and other important
facilities and equipment shall be identified through the assistance of the farmers
group and the OPA/MAO.
2. Identify and prioritize locations where the postharvest technology interventions are
much needed.
3. Development of Acquisition Scheme. Acquisition scheme shall be developed and
piloted through organized farmers groups. Concerned development stakeholders
including manufacturers shall be identified and tapped for collaboration for the
acquisition of the necessary equipment. These production and postharvest machinery
can also be acquired through the development assistance fund of district
representatives.
4. Establishment of grain centers with a capacity of 5,000 bags of rough rice/corn; 4.5 to
6 ton capacity mechanical dryer; multi-purpose drying pavements (MPDPs) to at least
one in every province/political district.
5. Establishment of community-based grains center which shall be situated major
rice/corn producing areas in each province providing services such palay/corn buying
stations, hauling, drying, and warehousing.
6. Construction/improvement and rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads & bridges.
The poor condition of existing road networks especially the barangay road
networks and outside the vicinity of the production areas poses threat to the industry.
For one, it can increase cost of transportation leading to lower competitiveness of the
rice/corn products of the provinces.
Identification of locations (barangay per municipality/cities) where the
construction and rehabilitation of farm-to-market road is much needed. This can be
done by the Barangay Council through the assistance of the AT assigned in the
CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

particular barangay. Specifications of the proposed road network, nature of assistance

needed, including benefits and required budget must be stated in details. The
MAO/OPA shall consolidate the requested intervention for submission to the DARFU for consolidation and fund sourcing.
7. Retrofitting of underutilized mechanical dryers
Postharvest equipment particularly the mechanical dryers are underutilized or not
operating due, among others, to very high fossil fuel cost (kerosene) and the
availability of other mode of drying grains such as the use of MPDPs, and the
existence of traders who are willing to buy freshly harvested palay.
To eliminate the problem, the use of ricehull as a substitute for kerosene should
be employed to cut down the cost of inputs. The reduction in operating costs and ease
of operation are pointers to be considered in retrofitting the mechanical dryers with
biomass heating system like the ricehull-fed furnace. Follow-up training of
mechanical dryer operators on the dryers proper operation such as temperature
settings, regular maintenance and trouble shooting for maximum utilization and
maintenance of the retrofitted mechanical dryers will be done.
8. Testing and evaluation of postharvest facilities
The continuing effort of the government to reduce postharvest losses depends
primarily on adoption of efficient postharvest practices, facilities and equipment. It is
therefore important that postharvest technologies developed and introduced by
research and private institutions as well as facilities and equipment purchased,
delivered, installed and operated by the postharvest industry are assured to perform
efficiently. Performance testing and evaluation of these facilities and equipment
therefore serves as an important in providing such assurance. It would maximize
proliferation of poor quality facilities and equipment.
9. Other identified needs in the grains postharvest industry of the region;
Provision of more marketing outlets to include establishment of buying
stations/trading centers (buying stations/centers) in strategic locations
Construction of warehouses and improvement of storage facilities with the
inclusion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technologies
Establishment of corn milling centers/ feed mills
Establishment of corn processing center
equipped wit efficient postharvest facilities (hauling/transport, shelling,
drying, marketing and storage)
a center in conformity of the international standards (village and district level)
Establishment of a tramline systems to ease drudgery in the manual hauling of
farmers produce specifically for mountainous production areas not accessible to
farm-to-market roads
II. Training and Extension
Intensification of Extension Service

CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

Aggressive information dissemination through media and Information,

Education and Communication (IEC) distribution for rice to all industry
stakeholders
Technology enhancement programs through trainings, lakbay-aral, capability
building (techno-demo, trainings) and conduct of farmers field school (FFS)
Provide updated market information by posting in billboards in public places
such as the barangay hall, public market, waiting sheds etc. through the
regular monitoring of government agencies such as DTI, NFA and the OPA.
Adoption of COAST Projects and SALT Technology for Corn
Continuous conduct of School-on-the Air (SOA) Programs on postharvest
Development of Corn Reference materials for aflatoxin analysis
Capacity Enhancement
Training on social technology
Leadership training
Writing of project proposals, resolutions, requests
Management of resources
Project management
Establishment of well-trained pool of engineers and experts regarding
postharvest technologies/ activities such as testing and evaluation of
postharvest facilities/equipment
Seminars and trainings
Training of farmers in Rice/Corn S&T like the organic fertilizer production
and the use/application of organic farming technology
Technical capability building through trainings on grains postharvest and
related technologies
Skills training in the operation and maintenance of postharvest facility and
processing equipment
Training of Agricultural Technologist (AT)-LGUs and farmers
Increase the ATs access to popularized module packages of technologies
Institutionalize the interaction system
between the provinces ATs &
research agencies through S&T updates, technical briefing & fora
Provisions for updated market information
Exposure of farmers through tours and cross visits to model farms and
research institutions
Provision of incentives and reward system for best farmers
Encourage farmers to form/join farmers groups/organizations.
Build competency of rice-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
Training of entrepreneurs who are interested in modern rice-based and cornbased processing technologies
Increase entrepreneurs access to popularize module packages for the
technology needs through info-tech
Training on value-adding, improvement of packaging techniques and
promotion to high-end costumers taken into consideration the conformity to
international standards for processed products like ampaw and korniks
Product promotion and improved packaging

CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

III. Support Policies and Programs

Marketing Support and Assistance
Aside from lack of postharvest facilities, the weak and almost non-existent
marketing support provided by government perpetuates the poverty of small
Filipino farmers. The postharvest facility enables the farmers to maintain
palay/rice and corn stocks until a market has been identified.
Marketing strategies shall be devised in each locality whichever is more
appropriate and beneficial for the farmers organizations. Marketing support fund
may not be feasible at this time with the government having serious financial
woes. Marketing strategies may include the following:
Forging of Memorandum of Understanding between the Provincial
Governments and the NFA for marketing assistance with regards to the
marketing assistance to be provided to assisted farmers organizations or
groups of farmers.
Mass procurement of preferred varieties. Hybrid and preferred inbred
varieties shall be given priority in the grains procurement by NFA. These
preferred varieties can be separately stocked by NFA for milling and
marketing and branded as quality milled rice/corn.
Linkaging with traders and millers. The OPA and the MAO shall take the lead
in master listing of accredited traders and millers in the locality for possible
market matching. It can also be arranged with the traders and millers for a
production support fund and a guaranteed marketing agreement with the
farmers organizations.
Establishment of marketing linkages with organized consumers. Strong
farmers organizations shall be assisted by the MAO/OPA to enter into a
marketing linkages or agreement for rough rice to large processors and or
venture in rice/corn milling to organized consumers like urban-based
consumers cooperatives, homeowners associations, employees association
and other organized groups of consumers.
Development of marketing system enables farmers organizations to compete
with big-time traders, empowering them to actively participate in a free
market economy.
Strengthening of market access and marketing assistance
i. Centralized marketing through farmer's cooperative
ii. Market matching/linkages (local/foreign)
iii. Facilitation of market linkages such as data on current prices and market
situation
iv. Product promotion and incentives for farmers
v. Provision of rice insurance coverage and price support
vi. Sufficiency assurance of rice supply for the provinces and for the region
Credit assistance/ access to low-cost credit and production inputs
Low Interest Credit Support. The OPA, MAO and the GMA Rice Program to
tap QUEDAN Corporation, Land Bank of the Philippines and other
government and private lending institutions for credit support to farmers
group for inbred and hybrid rice production.
CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

 Low Cost Production Inputs. The OPA, MAO with support DA agencies to
collaborate with fertilizer and Pesticides Companies, dealers and distributors
for the necessary production inputs at low interest rate and payable after
harvest.
Optimizing and Pooling of Farmers Resources. The DA bureaus and
attached agencies have to implement activities effectively and efficiently at
lower cost. Other development stakeholders will likely slow down in their
existing and planned development projects due to uncertainty and lack of
financial support. Relative to this, agriculture development maybe paralyzed
to a certain limit. We have to start re-organizing farmers, optimize and pool
their available resources and start with what they have and able to share. This
could somehow contribute to uplift the economic being of small farmers and
have a share in the stability of the countrys economy.
Increased Participation of Development Stakeholders
Foster strong collaboration and partnership with the development
stakeholders. The OPA as the project integrator should elicit strong
collaboration and partnership with the following development stakeholders in
achieving rice self-sufficiency and in developing the provinces grain
industry.
Stakeholders Forum and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Strong
collaboration and partnership can be done through the conduct of
stakeholders forum and forging alliance between the PG and the development
stakeholders. Part and parcels of the MOA are the following activities;
i. Increased participation in research, development and extension (RD&E)
for the development of location-specific technologies and
recommendations that will help maximize the impact of technologies in
increasing productivity;
ii. Increased participation in agri-fairs and exhibits, symposium, fora;
iii. Development and testing of innovative technology promotion models;
iv. Development and piloting of business models for different stakeholders
of the grains industry, which include smallholder farmers, farmers
cooperatives, rice/corn millers, traders and distributors, financing
institutions and consumer groups;
v. Cost sharing scheme.
Strengthening Farmers Organization
Encourage farmers to form and join farmers organization. Build farmers
organization with enough membership to organize and implement a viable
economic activity. Set-up a system of cooperation among farmer-members in
production activities that could bring about optimum gains.
Re-vitalization of inactive farmers cooperative or association;
Provision of minimum resources as a start-up capital;
Building inclusive alliances with development stakeholders. Alliances must be
built across classes and sectors. It is important to recognize the work of
development stakeholders who share the vision, the resources and the
CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

10

technical capabilities. Care must be taken, however to avoid co-optation.

Priority projects must be implemented in an orderly fashion to avoid
overlapping of functions and responsibilities among development partners.
Development and implementation of postharvest facility acquisition scheme
Networking with funding institutions and NGOs
Value formation and institutional development
Provision of grants/soft loans to farmers in the purchase of postharvest
facilities
Strengthening of rural based organization (cooperatives, farmer associations, farm
youth organization like the 4-H Club)
Continuous support of LGUs and NGAs
Advocacy campaign on agriculture at local government unit level
Minimization/regulation of rice importation
Organization of corn seed growers/corn farmers to sustain the need for corn seed
in the region
Expansion of contract growing scheme for hybrid corn to other feed mill
companies
Livestock production support to increase livestock population and demand of corn
as main source of feed
Formulation of comprehensive plans in support to agricultural development
Minimize agricultural land conversion through strict implementation of laws and
regulations
HVCC Industry Interventions
I. Provision/Improvement/Rehabilitation of Postharvest Facilities and Infrastructure
Establishment of Packing Centers for Fruits and Vegetables
Establishment of Barangay Food Terminal/Bagsakan Center
Establishment of Mango Irradiation Facility
Establishment of small-scale (village level) Food Processing Center
Establishment of processing plant for fruits (fresh and processed)
Establishment of packing center for ready to cook vegetables
Establishment of a tramline systems to ease drudgery in the manual hauling of
farmers produce specifically for mountainous production areas
Provision of refrigerated vans, pre-coolers and cold storage for vegetables
Design and development of low-cost postharvest equipment/ facility (to respond
the need of farmers for cheaper and locally available facilities/equipment)
II. Training and Extension
Promotion and Extension of HVCC Postharvest Technologies and Systems
Consultative meetings with the identified clients
Benchmarking and data generation
Training and technical assistance to the new clients
Linkages with financing institutions
Project documentation.
Monitoring and evaluation.
CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

11

Feasibility studies/investment proposals

Intensification of Extension Services
Aggressive information dissemination through media and Information,
Education and Communication (IEC) distribution for HVCC postharvest
technologies to all industry stakeholders
Technology enhancement programs through trainings, lakbay-aral, capability
building (techno-demo, trainings) and conduct of farmers field school (FFS)
Provide updated market information by posting in billboards in public places
such as the barangay hall, public market, waiting sheds etc. through the
regular monitoring of government agencies such as DTI, DA-AMAD and the
OPA.
Promotion of Social Marketing
Conduct of demand-led capacity-building workshops, product specific training
and mentoring activities focusing on learning new skills to get into new markets
or services
Enhance capacity of small and medium enterprises like cooperatives, other
farmers organizations, corporations and other relative collective organizations to
broaden their resources and technology use
Provision of assistance for the processing of high quality fruits and vegetables for
greater market acceptability and better competitive position in the local and global
market
Technical assistance in the set-up and actual operation of high value crops
integrated processing
Seminar on the improvement of labeling and packaging of processed products
Improved handling and packaging of cutflower/cutfoliage
Conduct of Specialized Training Courses
Season-long training on good agricultural practices on off-season mango
production and postharvest technologies
Seminar on Controlled Atmosphere Technology (CAT) and Hot Water
Treatment
Other trainings
Training and seminars on postharvest handling and related technologies
Training and skills enhancement on backyard organic fertilizer production,
promotion of solid waste management

III. Support Policies and Programs

Marketing Assistance
The success of any agricultural project depends largely on reliable and
efficient marketing system. Demand or market driven projects produce goods
based on the actual needs only not on speculative demand and on very limited
marketing information. Thus, the following interventions are very essential in
strengthening the marketing system for high value crops:
Development of management systems to preserve the quality of high value
crops from farm to storage/market
Development of providers capability to assess the market and to develop
services
CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

12

 Identification of sure market through market linkage, market matching and

product promotion (market sustainability)
Development and implementation of practical market demand survey
methodology/ tools
Development of providers capacity to conduct and analyze market research/
surveys
Publication support to information on service market opportunities to
encourage providers to invest in product innovation
Provide cost-sharing scheme to help providers cover costs involved in the
development of a specific service (e.g., cost contributions prototyping, market
testing/launching)
Mentoring and coaching from program staff and local/ international experts to
help providers to commercialize services
Institutional Supports
Provision of funds for the training of fruits and vegetable farmer
Preparation of concrete proposals for financial support/assistance from
funding institutions like NABCOR, LGUs, GOs, NGOs and other credit
facilities
Establishment/strengthening of farmers association and cooperatives
Linkages with financing institutions for capital expansion to ensure
sustainability
Development and strengthening of HVCC industry database for planning
purposes (production, product flow and marketing)
Penetrating institutional vegetable markets through clustering and application
of cold chain system
R&D Agenda/Interventions for high value crops
Development of better packing materials that will minimize damage
Establishment of assembly house for sorting, grading and packaging
Establishment of cold storage to prolong shelf-life
Intensify postharvest handling, transport technology transfer
Strengthen farm associations/cooperatives, refocus/create awareness of coop
members towards postharvest handling, marketing and proper crop
management
Conduct feasibility study on the establishment of processing centers
Establish statistical data on the volume and destination of high value crops
marketed
Compliance to International Standard Quality Controls HACCP
Adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to improve farmers product
competitiveness
Production of high quality vegetables (fresh and semi-processed) through
postharvest technology application (sorting, grading, labeling, etc)
Fisheries Industry Interventions
I. Provision/Improvement/Rehabilitation of Postharvest Facilities and Infrastructure

CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

13

Infrastructure facilities like fishing ports, market buildings, storage facilities, and
other common service facilities will be established in strategic locations in the region.
These projects will be financed by the government or by the private sector; the latter
through the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme or as a purely private sector
undertaking. An investment promotion package will be prepared for this purpose. Facilities
needed by municipal fishermen shall be given highest priority by government. These
include the following:
Provision of postharvest facilities (fishery product handling and processing)
Multi-Commodity Solar Tunnel Dryer (MCSTD)
Live-market conditioning tank
Cold chain system and related facilities
Mobile ice makers
Refrigerated vans
Smoke houses
Establishment of Integrated Fish Processing Complex (IFPC) facilities in
conformity with the international standards
Establishment of canning factories/ plants equipped with state-of-the-art fisheries
postharvest facilities
Establishment of village level fish and other shellfishes processing center
complete with appropriate equipment and facilities
Establishment of seaweed drying and processing center
Rehabilitation of handling, cold storage and ice plant
Establishment of mini-fishport with cold storage, blast freezer, tool processing
plant and auction market
II. Training and Extension
Trainings shall be conducted to upgrade fisherfolks skills and knowledge on
productive and sustainable fishing methods, on fish handling and fish processing
techniques, on entrepreneurial skills, and alternative livelihood and skills development.
Fishery extension, training and IEC
Fishery extension service is the technology information dissemination arm
of R&D. While it is true that there are mature technologies that have been
developed, this has to be refined to suit the present times and make it applicable to
the local conditions. Further, the failure of some livelihood projects must be
analyzed to determine the real cause. Skills trainings that will be conducted
should incorporate marketing and packaging aspects. Visits to successful
livelihood projects could enhance ability to manage projects.
Extension officers should look into appropriate fisheries technology training
to equip them with sufficient knowledge.
Customized modules and methods of delivery and conduct of formalized
training courses will be developed based on the identified training needs
assessment and approaches to IEC preparation, implementation and monitoring
and evaluation of delivery of services.
Among the specific training and extension needs for the fishery postharvest
industry in the region include the following:
CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

14

 Skills training on drying and semi-processing of seaweeds

Operation and maintenance of MCSTD
Product development training on fish preservation & processing techniques
Training of fisherfolks on proper storage of marine products
Transfer of fish processing techniques to extend the shelf-life of fish thereby
allowing a wider distribution of the products to where they are poorly accessible
like hands-on training, seminar-workshop and lecture-demonstrations
III. Support Policies and Programs
Provision of marketing support
Marketing assistance to municipal fishermen will be strengthened through
cooperatives and processors to effect marketing linkages, joint ventures and other
cooperative fishing activities. Measures shall be undertaken to assist municipal
and commercial fishery operators avail of credit, explore markets and obtain
market information.
Government shall provide assistance to the industry to enable key players to
increase value added i.e. fish processing ventures. Information on agribusiness
investment possibilities, credit windows, market promotion and development
assistance shall also be provided. More private sector involvement in production,
processing and marketing shall be encouraged.
Encourage development of enterprise and other livelihood/IGP projects
Establishment of market linkages even linkages to international markets
through market matching services and marketing assistance
Policy agenda and preparation of plans and profiles/comprehensive
municipal surveys to be integrated in the provinces/ region
Provision of credit and technical assistance
Credit support and other forms of financial assistance shall likewise be
provided both to municipal and commercial fishing operators. Low interest capital
shall enable poor fisherfolk to acquire appropriate fishing gears. Procedures of
existing credit windows will be studied to identify and overcome problems
encountered in their implementation. Transparent and efficient procedures for
accessing to rural credit and community-based resource management programs
shall be implemented.
Municipal fisherfolk shall be organized, while those that already exist shall
be strengthened. This will facilitate conduct of trainings and delivery of other
forms of assistance. Linkages shall be established between fishing organizations,
line agencies, the LGUs and non-government organizations. Fishing organizations
will be assisted in the preparation of feasibility studies, formulation of coastal
zone development programs, and identification of projects. They shall also be
involved in the conduct of fishery research.
Strengthening of R&D, research utilization and adoption
CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

15

Concerned agencies shall seek local and external funds to finance R&D
activities. Tie-ups with the academic and research institutions shall be
strengthened to tap their pool of competent personnel. Established research
stations and units in the region shall be strengthened to respond to the growing
demand for R&D projects. Research utilization, adoption of viable research
findings shall be encouraged.
A strong research and development will provide avenues and better
opportunities for the application of technologies developed in other areas. The
focus is to verify and refine technologies on farm, which then can lead to the
development of appropriate technology in the province. This will likewise address
the issues and problems on marketing and postharvest product development, value
adding and packaging. Among the specific R&D needs for the fishery postharvest
industry in the region include the following:
Drying and semi-processing of seaweeds to suit with strict quality
regulations and standards
Suitability testing of MCSTD to various fishery products
Development of a low-cost and locally available drying equipment for
various fishery products
Better handling and packaging materials for semi-processed and processed
fishery products
Availability of reliable database through development of fisheries
information system (on-line)
Conduct of research and community social mobilization
Strengthening of regulatory functions of LGUs
Concerned government agencies shall assist LGUs in institutionalizing
devolved regulatory functions. Imposing stiff penalties, ensuring strict compliance
with fishery laws, intensifying Bantay Dagat operations, and other related
programs shall be given priority.
The needed equipment and logistics may have to be provided by the national
government considering the financial constraints faced by LGUs. Collaborative
efforts of agencies, LGUs and the private sector should look into the possibility of
granting of fishery-related permits which already take into consideration the
environmental implications of proposed activities.
Establishment of fish catch and monitoring system in the municipalities
Protection of conservations of coastal resources
Operation of regional fisheries information management center
Institutionalization of ISO, GMP, SSOP and HACCP
Compliance to HACCP and International standards (HALAL), etc
Information campaign on fishery and marine laws and regulations
(intensification of regulatory services) and sustainable fishing, market
development linkages (local and foreign)
Proposed Postharvest Projects
1. Establishment of modern rice processing complex
CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

16

2. Establishment of a small-scale rice milling business

3. Establishment of community-based grain drying center
4. Retrofitting of underutilized mechanical dryers with rice hull-fed furnace
5. Establishment of corn postharvest processing & trading center
6. Establishment of small to medium scale mechanization service center
7. Establishment of trading post and packing centers
8. Establishment of agricultural tramline systems
9. Establishment of mango hot water treatment facilities
10. Modification of the ube mechanical dryer into ricehull-fed furnace
11. Promotion/extension of HVCC postharvest technologies/systems
12. Establishment of oyster processing centers
13. Establishment of village-level fish processing center
14. Establishment of seaweeds drying centers
15. Provision of mobile ice makers

CENTRAL VISAYAS POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2010-2019)

17