The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines has recently initiated the Agricultural and Fisheries Logistics Office (AFLO) as a strategic move to enhance the efficiency of the farm-to-market supply chain, addressing the imperative of food security as outlined in Department Order 01. This development was announced by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., highlighting the office's mission to mitigate post-harvest losses, stabilize market prices, and resolve logistical bottlenecks, which include challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and the lack of cold storage facilities.
AFLO is positioned to fortify the food supply chain's resilience and sustainability, aiming to elevate the profitability margins for the nation's farmers and fishers, while concurrently ensuring consumer access to more affordable food and supplying industries with essential raw materials. A notable initiative under AFLO's umbrella is the development of a real-time logistics coordination and monitoring system. This system is designed to enhance the traceability and transparency of agricultural product distribution, aiming to reduce inefficiencies, combat smuggling, and ensure product traceability.
Furthermore, AFLO will be instrumental in supervising infrastructure projects critical for the agricultural sector, such as the establishment of cold storage warehouses, food hubs, and distribution centers. These facilities are essential for the timely and cost-efficient distribution of food products. Embracing advanced technologies, including AI and machine learning, is on AFLO's agenda to minimize losses and refine logistics operations. The office will also foster partnerships across government agencies, local government units, and the private sector to improve transport logistics, and market linkages, and reduce operational costs.
Enhanced collaboration with entities like the Philippine Ports Authority, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority is expected to improve the handling of agricultural products through ports. Additionally, AFLO is tasked with the development of crisis management protocols to safeguard the agricultural supply chain against disruptions such as natural disasters or pandemics.
Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized that the establishment of AFLO marks a significant stride towards the modernization of the Philippines' agriculture and fisheries sectors. By addressing existing inefficiencies and fostering sustainability, the initiative is poised to secure the nation's food future and propel the sector's growth, aligning with the objectives of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997.
Source: DA.Gov