
by: 𝘈𝘯𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘋𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯
****
Makati City – Members of the Cold Chain Association of the Philippines (CCAP) convened at Ayala Hall, Makati Sports Club on March 26 to discuss “From Gap to Growth: Synergizing Skills, Systems, and Strategy in the Philippine Cold Chain.”
CCAP President Mr. Anthony Dizon opened the session with an inspiring message, emphasizing the importance of building self-reliance to reduce national vulnerabilities and reaffirming the cold chain industry’s commitment to supporting government initiatives on food security. The program featured distinguished speakers from the government sector: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
DTI Undersecretary Mary Jean T. Pacheco highlighted her Department’s efforts to streamline permits and licenses for cold storage operations, promote investment in rural facilities, and advance the three-year logistics agenda approved by the President in 2023. She underscored the need for collaboration between government and industry to bridge the ₱25 billion cold storage gap and strengthen disaster preparedness through warehouse mapping and investment promotion. USEC Pacheco also emphasized skills development, noting that online training modules are now available for SMEs to better understand cold chain fundamentals, benefits, and management practices. She further highlighted the establishment of a Supply Chain and Logistics Center, now with 30 private sector partners, aimed at providing SMEs with access to storage opportunities. Addressing industry concerns regarding the effects of the Iran conflict, she acknowledged the challenges posed by rising fuel costs and stressed the government’s advocacy to reduce logistics expenses, citing measures such as subsidies for truckers, ensuring no truck bans for essential goods, and promoting alternative energy solutions like electric vehicles.
Legal and Policy Head Atty. Luke Jickain presented the DA’s Six-Point Agenda to strengthen agricultural and fisheries logistics. Key priorities include:
1. Food Hubs – Integrated platforms for aggregation, distribution, and marketing.
2. Farm-to-Market Connectivity – Roads and ports to reduce transport costs and improve access.
3. Innovative Transport Solutions – Timelines and moderators for mountainous areas.
4. Warehouse and Post-Harvest Facilities – Expansion of cold storage under MC No. 5, 2025.
5. Policy Support – Reinforcement of the Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization Act (RA 8435).
6. Supply and Demand Integration – Linking production areas to food hubs and cold storage facilities.
Atty. Jickain emphasized that these initiatives are vital in mitigating rising fuel costs and ensuring affordable food commodities, encouraging cooperatives and SMEs to actively engage with the Department. He also underscored the importance of the registration and accreditation process under the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act (RA 12022) to prevent price manipulation and ensure transparency.
The discussion was further enriched by Engr. Lenard A. Nerit, Senior Specialist of TESDA’s Green Technology Center. He highlighted TESDA’s focus on skills training, certification systems (NC I–IV, diploma programs), and greening the TVET system to align workforce competencies with sustainable cold chain industry needs. Engr. Nerit noted the growing demand for skilled workers in industrial refrigeration, particularly ammonia and CO₂ systems, and identified challenges such as limited certification programs, overseas migration of skilled workers, and outdated training standards. To address these, TESDA is working on:
Developing training regulations for natural refrigerants (ammonia, CO₂, R290); Implementing certifications under RA 11285 (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act);
Integrating green skills and emerging competencies into programs; Promoting Upskilling and Re-skilling Programs to enhance competencies; and
Creating Micro-Credential training modules for flexible qualification pathways.
Engr. Nerit stressed that the cold chain sector must also respond to climate-related challenges such as heatwaves, unstable power supply, and high electricity costs. To this end TESDA partnered with UNIDO to establish the Cold Chain Innovation Hub (CCI-Hub). By embedding sustainability and green skills into workforce development through the CCI-Hub, TESDA aims to ensure that the cold chain industry not only preserves food but also advances energy efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. CCAP member Cold Front Technologies Asia, Inc. is part of the CCI-Hub as contributor and installer of several green cold chain technologies on display, including the CO2 direct expansion cold storage and the R290 transport refrigeration.
Sponsored by First Gen Corporation, this event help CCAP members and industry stakeholders gain some clarity from government partners at this time of crisis.
#Edjun Mariposque

Changing Lives: Free Cleft Palate Services Offered by Pandemic Hero Foundation Inc.
As an organization that cares for the welfare of the people, we, Pandemic Hero Foundation Inc., are looking for people with cleft palate whom we will be helping with the help of our sponsored partners. This is a free service to offer for it is our heart that speaks from sharing our strong partnership with people and changing the way they live their lives – to what they deserve. This is not a business for personal gains, but more of reaching out and promoting a helping hand.
Pandemic Hero Foundation Inc.
Location: Purok Uno, Brgy. Lumil, Silang, Cavite.

- Persons of Interest: NBI Names Robin Padilla, Others in Search for ICC-Wanted Sen. Bato dela Rosa**** by: Edjun Mariposque **** The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has confirmed that Senator Robinhood Padilla is now… Read more: Persons of Interest: NBI Names Robin Padilla, Others in Search for ICC-Wanted Sen. Bato dela Rosa
- Calamba Completes Brgy. Hornalan Covered Court and Road Projects in Just Three Months**** by: Edjun Mariposque **** The City Government of Calamba has officially inaugurated the newly completed covered court and… Read more: Calamba Completes Brgy. Hornalan Covered Court and Road Projects in Just Three Months
- BUY-BUST OPERATION LEADS TO DISMANTLING OF DRUG DEN IN SANTA ROSA CITY, LAGUNA**** **** Joint operatives of the PDEA Laguna Provincial Office and the PNP Regional Office IV-A Intelligence Unit successfully… Read more: BUY-BUST OPERATION LEADS TO DISMANTLING OF DRUG DEN IN SANTA ROSA CITY, LAGUNA
- PRO 5’s Number 2 Most Wanted Person Arrested in Masbate**** **** Masbate – On May 11, 2026, personnel from 9SAB, SAF provided tactical support to 2nd Provincial Mobile… Read more: PRO 5’s Number 2 Most Wanted Person Arrested in Masbate
- Calamba Fire Victims Receive Immediate Aid Under Mayor Ross Rizal’s Lead**** by: Edjun Mariposque **** CALAMBA CITY — Swift relief reached 14 families left homeless by a fire in… Read more: Calamba Fire Victims Receive Immediate Aid Under Mayor Ross Rizal’s Lead
- Cayetano Assures Continuous Senate Operations Amid Leadership Transition**** by: Edjun Mariposque **** Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano assured the public that work in the Senate will… Read more: Cayetano Assures Continuous Senate Operations Amid Leadership Transition
- Transmission rates down in May 2026 electric bills**** **** Power transmission service provider NGCP announced a slight reduction in overall transmission rates of the end consumers… Read more: Transmission rates down in May 2026 electric bills
- Mayor Ross Rizal Leads Opening of New Water System in Puting Lupa**** by: Edjun Mariposque **** Long-Awaited Water System Brings Hope and Comfort to Brgy. Puting Lupa Residents of Brgy.… Read more: Mayor Ross Rizal Leads Opening of New Water System in Puting Lupa
- BADAC WATCHLISTED DRUG PERSONALITY ARRESTED IN TANAY BUY-BUST**** **** A watchlisted drug personality of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) was arrested by joint operatives of… Read more: BADAC WATCHLISTED DRUG PERSONALITY ARRESTED IN TANAY BUY-BUST
- HIGH-VALUE DRUG PERSONALITY NABBED BY PDEA AND PNP**** **** A female drug suspect was arrested during a joint buy-bust operation in Barangay Sta Lucia, Dasmariñas City,… Read more: HIGH-VALUE DRUG PERSONALITY NABBED BY PDEA AND PNP
- New Pseudo Clinic Opens at BJMP Calamba Female Dormitory, Bringing Hope and Better Care for PDLs**** by: Edjun Mariposque **** CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — A newly constructed Pseudo Clinic was formally inaugurated at the… Read more: New Pseudo Clinic Opens at BJMP Calamba Female Dormitory, Bringing Hope and Better Care for PDLs
- 3 TIMBOG SA PAIHI MAHIGIT 5M PISONG HALAGANG PETROLYO, NASABATby: BONG RIVERA **** BATANGAS — Tatlong lalaki ang arestado sa ikinasang operasyon ng Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)… Read more: 3 TIMBOG SA PAIHI MAHIGIT 5M PISONG HALAGANG PETROLYO, NASABAT
- 419 Calambeños Graduate from Skills Training Program, Marking New Beginnings and Greater Opportunities**** by: Edjun Mariposque **** CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — A total of 419 residents proudly graduated from various vocational… Read more: 419 Calambeños Graduate from Skills Training Program, Marking New Beginnings and Greater Opportunities
- GINANG PATAY ANAK SUGATAN MATAPOS ARARUHIN NG MOTORSIKLOby: BONG RIVERA **** LAGUNA — Patay ang isang 37!anyos na ginang habang sugatan naman ang kaniyang anak matapos mabundol… Read more: GINANG PATAY ANAK SUGATAN MATAPOS ARARUHIN NG MOTORSIKLO
- PEKENG DOKTOR, AT 3 PA, TIMBOG MATAPOS MAGSAGAWA NG PAGTUTULI SA 4 NA KABATAAN AT MANINGIL NG MAHIGIT P100Kby: BONG RIVERA **** QUEZON — Arestado ang apat na katao matapos ireklamo ng umano’y panloloko at ilegal na pagsasagawa… Read more: PEKENG DOKTOR, AT 3 PA, TIMBOG MATAPOS MAGSAGAWA NG PAGTUTULI SA 4 NA KABATAAN AT MANINGIL NG MAHIGIT P100K
- Laguna Opens 3rd Free Chemotherapy Center in Bay Through partnership with AML Life Care a subsidiary of We Hope Medical Group**** by: Edjun Mariposque **** The Provincial Government of Bay formally inaugurated its third free chemotherapy center in Laguna… Read more: Laguna Opens 3rd Free Chemotherapy Center in Bay Through partnership with AML Life Care a subsidiary of We Hope Medical Group
- BARANGAY KAGAWAD ARESTADO SA ILIGAL NA BARILby: BONG RIVERA **** BATANGAS — Hindi na nagawa pang nakapalag ang isang barangay opisyal matapos itong arestuhin sa isinagawang… Read more: BARANGAY KAGAWAD ARESTADO SA ILIGAL NA BARIL
- MAHIGIT NA 10M HALAGA NG DROGA NASABAT SA DALAWANG DRUG PUSHERby: BONG RIVERA **** QUEZON — Arestado ang dalawang High Value Individual (HVI) ng pinagsanib na pwersa ng PDEU ng… Read more: MAHIGIT NA 10M HALAGA NG DROGA NASABAT SA DALAWANG DRUG PUSHER
- Senator Pia Cayetano Backs Stronger Anti-Vape Measures Amid Rising Youth Addiction**** by: Edjun Mariposque **** Pia S. Cayetano has expressed support for stronger government action against vape products, following… Read more: Senator Pia Cayetano Backs Stronger Anti-Vape Measures Amid Rising Youth Addiction
- MGA PINOY NA SANGKOT SA PANG-AABUSO ONLINE SA MGA MINOR SA SURIGAO DEL SUR HINDI NAG-IISA, IBA PANG SUSPEK TINI-TRACE NA RIN NG NBIby: BONG RIVERA **** Manila — Hindi lang iisa ang sangkot sa online na pang-aabuso sa mga menor de edad… Read more: MGA PINOY NA SANGKOT SA PANG-AABUSO ONLINE SA MGA MINOR SA SURIGAO DEL SUR HINDI NAG-IISA, IBA PANG SUSPEK TINI-TRACE NA RIN NG NBI


























Leave a comment