MANILA: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said the operation of the first Cold Examination Facility for Agriculture (CEFA) in Bulacan province will start by the start of 2025 as part of intensified measures for the country's 'first border' control. A CEFA is a sanitary phytosanitary inspection facility for imported animals, fish, plants and other agricultural products to ensure food safety and prevent the entry of plants pests and animal diseases like Q fever, which was first detected in imported goats from the United States in June. In a news release, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said private contractors are currently constructing a CEFA in Angat with equipment procurement underway to meet the operational timeline. 'We expect the Angat CEFA to be operational by January or February next year,' he said. Laurel said plans are also underway to open four additional CEFAs by September 2025 in Manila, Subic in Zambales, Davao Region and General Santos City. 'The initiative undersc ores government's commitment to fortify border controls amid emerging health and economic challenges posed by imported agricultural products,' he said. The DA said comprehensive facilities are also planned for major ports and fish ports including the Manila International Container Terminal, Subic Bay International Corporation, Davao International Container Terminal, Manila South Harbor, New Cebu International Container Port, Batangas International Port, Navotas Fish Port, Iloilo International Container Port and Misamis Oriental. Funding for the CEFA project was originally pegged at PHP2.3 billion in 2023, but was reduced to PHP1.2 billion for the current year due to the offer of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) to host most of the facilities in local ports which the listed company operates. Meanwhile, Laurel said the DA will implement pre-shipment inspections in ports of origin while waiting for the CEFAs to commence operations. 'Before these facilities become operational, we will is sue an administrative order on pre-shipment inspection, pending approval from the Department of Finance. Pre-shipment inspections could be enforced within three months to bolster food safety measures and curb smuggling activities detrimental to local farmers and public health.' he said. Source: Philippines News Agency
‘First border’ control measures for food safety in place by Jan 2025
Search
Advertisement
Latest Posts
- Temporary Road Slip Closure September 15, 2024
- 2,000 families displaced by Tondo fire September 15, 2024
- 2,000 families displaced by Tondo fire September 15, 2024
- Australian trade mission to visit the PH in 2025 September 15, 2024
- Nearly 2K aging separated family members in S. Korea die in 8 months September 15, 2024
- PCG suspends sea travels in Surigao, Dinagat September 15, 2024
- Ateneo, UST prevail in UAAP juniors basketball September 15, 2024
- Religious Education strenghens Immune System September 15, 2024
- House begins floor debates on P6.352-T budget Monday September 15, 2024
- The Mind is the Greatest Reward from Allah SWT September 15, 2024
Recent News
- Temporary Road Slip Closure September 15, 2024
- 2,000 families displaced by Tondo fire September 15, 2024
- 2,000 families displaced by Tondo fire September 15, 2024
- Australian trade mission to visit the PH in 2025 September 15, 2024
- Nearly 2K aging separated family members in S. Korea die in 8 months September 15, 2024
Categories
Advertisement
Archives
Categories
Advertisement
Search
Latest News
- Temporary Road Slip Closure September 15, 2024
- 2,000 families displaced by Tondo fire September 15, 2024
- 2,000 families displaced by Tondo fire September 15, 2024
- Australian trade mission to visit the PH in 2025 September 15, 2024
- Nearly 2K aging separated family members in S. Korea die in 8 months September 15, 2024
- PCG suspends sea travels in Surigao, Dinagat September 15, 2024
- Ateneo, UST prevail in UAAP juniors basketball September 15, 2024
- Religious Education strenghens Immune System September 15, 2024
Archives
Categories
Advertisement
Recent Posts
- Temporary Road Slip Closure September 15, 2024
- 2,000 families displaced by Tondo fire September 15, 2024
- 2,000 families displaced by Tondo fire September 15, 2024
- Australian trade mission to visit the PH in 2025 September 15, 2024
- Nearly 2K aging separated family members in S. Korea die in 8 months September 15, 2024
- PCG suspends sea travels in Surigao, Dinagat September 15, 2024
- Ateneo, UST prevail in UAAP juniors basketball September 15, 2024