At least 5,711 farmers will directly benefit from a fruits and vegetables processing facility opened in Camarines Sur on Monday.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the project implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Camarines Sur provincial government that will reduce post-harvest losses and add value to fruits and vegetables.

The President, during his visit, was accompanied by DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Camarines Sur Gov. Luis Raymund Villafuerte.

The facility functions as a hub that receives, processes and stores fruits and vegetables, producing chilled, frozen, dried, canned and puréed items.

The PHP290-million project, located in Barangay San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur, is expected to generate 582 jobs.

“This facility underscores the commitment of the Marcos administration to cut post-harvest losses, raise farmers’ incomes, stabilize food supply, and ensure lasting rural development,” Laurel said.

Villafuerte, for his part, said the facility will serve the rest of the Bicol Region, as well as suppliers from the Visayas and Mindanao, highlighting the region’s long-standing role in national food production.

“This is a game changer for Bicolandia, which has long played a key role in feeding the nation, whether directly through food production or as a corridor where agricultural products pass through,” he said.

Farmers at the launch welcomed the development, stating it provides greater flexibility to store their produce, wait for more favorable market conditions and minimize waste.

Aside from the processing facility, the President and other government officials also inspected the mega cold storage facility worth PHP500 million. (PNA)