Agri-10 apprises the different truckers in Cagayan de Oro City on the agency’s Food Lane Project

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In an effort to ease the transport and logistics of various agricultural commodities and products in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), conducted an orientation on the agency’s Food Lane Project, on September 25, in this city.

According to Edmar L. Fajutagana, Supervising Agriculturist of the DA Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS), the Food Lane Project aims to institutionalize the efficient and speedy delivery and distribution of agri-fishery products from production sides to the market, which is seen to reduce the cost of transportation and postharvest losses.

Further, he said that the project is in line with the thrusts of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for reduced transport and logistics costs and increased food production, as outlined in his State of the Nation Address last July 2024.

The Said project is co-implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the DA as lead implementer, to facilitate the accreditation of agriculture and fishery suppliers and truckers, ensure the safe passage of truckers and suppliers at designated checkpoints and main roads, and implement pertinent issuances and policies related to the Food Lane Project at the local level.

As specified in DA Administrative Order No. 18 Series of 2012, commodities including rice, corn, fresh fruits and vegetables, livestock and poultry products and by-products, fresh and frozen meat, fresh and frozen fish and marine products, feeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs are covered under the Food Lane Project.

Some 20 truckers and partner government agencies in Cagayan de Oro were apprised of the documentary requirements for accreditation, as well as the online and in-person accreditation procedure facilitated by the AMAD.

Truckers with approved applications will receive a Certificate of Accreditation valid for two years, granting them ease of passage in checkpoints and exemption from pass-through fees and exemption from truck ban, subject to local regulations and policies; and immediate assistance during product delivery.

DA-10 AMAD Agribusiness Industry Support Section chief, Jenny D. Alcobilla enjoined the participants to comply with the required documents for accreditation, stressing its benefit toward the distribution of high quality, safe, and fresh agri-fishery produce in the local markets, for the benefit of suppliers and consumers alike.

The meeting was supported by DILG-10 Local Government Capability Development Division chief Hazel L. Occeña, PNP Regional Office 10 Police Captain Ryan Braser G. Condeza, and DA-AMAD staff.# (GDA)