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In an effort to modernize farming and ensure food safety, the Department of Agriculture Region 3 (DA-RFO3) has started the construction of a Central Luzon Integrated Agriculture Laboratory Building.
The ground breaking ceremony was held Tuesday, May 5, at the Central Luzon Integrated Agricultural Research Center (CLIARC) for Lowland Development in Barangay Paraiso, Tarlac City.
The agriculture department has said that the infrastructure seeks to boost research, diagnostic services, and laboratory service in the region, which supports the continuous growth and development of the agricultural sector of the region. In other words, a one-stop-shop diagnostic and analytical hub.
In addition, the facility is expected to house the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) which provides services such as disease monitoring that identifies and monitors infections such as african swine fever and avian influenza.
Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap, who was at the ground breaking ceremony, has said that innovations in science and technology are important steps in addressing challenges and catching up in modernization. “This is a testament that we’re taking the right step to address these problems.”
Meanwhile, a mega cold storage facility with integrated solar energy system having 396,000 bag capacity is expected to be built in Central in an effort to address post-harvest losses of farmers, stabilize price, and ensure food security.
The facility costs P493,288,154.00 and has an area of 246.5×56.48 meters, and is expected to be completed after 270 calendar days. Also included in the project are two units of electric forklifts with 1.5-3 tons capacity, and 5,850 pieces of heavy-duty plastic pallets.
DA Assistant Secretary for Logistics Daniel Alfonso N. Atayde has said that the facility will utilize renewable energy for an efficient and more affordable operation.
Sources: Tribune, DA Central Luzon, Tarlac Forum, Facebook
