The government is eyeing the construction of new housing units and cold storage facilities in the country, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

This developed after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presided over a sectoral meeting at Malacañan Palace in Manila, according to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

“Kanina po ay nakipag-meeting po tayo para po doon sa mga housing projects at doon sa napakaganda pong mga proyekto po ng Department of Agriculture (DA). So, marami pong pabahay na pinaplano po, at ‘yun pong mga food hubs sa mga cold storage ay nakalinya na rin po iyan (We had a meeting a while ago for those housing projects and those wonderful projects of the Department of Agriculture. So, there are a lot of housing projects that are being planned, and those food hubs and cold storages are also lined up),” Castro said.

“So, iyan po ay, kumbaga, kailangan po na maayos pati budget po sa lahat para po magampanan ng bawat ahensiya iyong kanilang mga proyekto para sa taumbayan (So, that means, it is necessary to have a proper budget for everything so that each agency can carry out their projects for the people),” she added.

Castro did not elaborate on the new housing and cold storage projects.

In a separate statement on its official Facebook page, the PCO said DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. presented to Marcos the agency’s plan for a cold storage expansion project.

The proposed establishment of food hubs in strategic locations nationwide was also discussed during the sectoral meeting, the PCO said.

The DA is allocating PHP3 billion for 99 cold storage facilities to extend the shelf life of fruits, vegetables and high-value crops, while ensuring price stability and food security.

It is also seeking the establishment of food hubs to facilitate seamless access for suppliers and buyers. (PNA)