Philippines: fruit terminals in Central Mindanao mulled

To fast track the development of the fruit industry in Central Mindanao, the government is planning to build fruit terminals (bagsakan) in at least five strategic locations across the region over the next few years.

The terminals, according to Regional Economic Development Council chairman Ibrahim Guiamadel, costs P8 million and would benefit fruit producers and processors in the region.

On top of the P8 million fund that would be sourced locally, the government is also targeting US$145 million in official development assistance to complement the project.

"The Bagsakan center shall be a post harvest facility for fruits and related products, which shall service the producers, suppliers and market consolidators in preparing their products to the market by way of strengthening the shelf-life and improving the products," Guimadel said.

Guimadel, also the regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry, said the Bagsakan centers would be put up in this city, Tupi in South Cotabato, Koronadal City, Tacurong City, and Kidapawan City.

In the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, and Tacurong, hot water treatment facilities would be put up to maintain the fresh quality of mangoes. Kidapawan City and Tupi town would have cold storage facilities to preserve banana, papaya, pineapple, and cut flowers.

Guimadel said they would also tap the services of state colleges or universities for technical support.

Source