The Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Energy (DOE) signed a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen and expand the implementation of the existing “Palamigan ng Bayan” program. This is a joint project of the DOTr and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for the agri-fishery sector in all feasible sites all over the country to promote the use of refrigerated container vans as cold storage to address concerns on food quality and productivity. DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, DA Secretary William Dar and DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi signed the agreement. By signing the MOA, the three agencies will collaboratively formulate and implement policies and activities necessary to ensure the success of the program, establish standard operating procedures to have a coherent coordination mechanism, ensure stability of price and steady and affordable supply of agri-fishery products in support of the food resiliency program of the DA, develop new and emerging technologies for the agri-fishery sector in collaboration with research and development institutions (RDIs) and other stakeholders, and provide technical and other support services to local farmers and fisherfolks and encourage the continuing technology innovation through public-private partnerships, joint venture arrangements, technology business incubation, contract research, management contract and other relevant and related legal instruments.

Navales, R. G. (2021, March 15). DoTr, DA, DoE forge agri-fishery agreement. SunStar Pampanga, pp. 2, 11.