DA to set up the first of a series of border control facilities for agricultural imports at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is setting up the first of a series of border control facilities for agricultural imports at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales.

Previously, Agriculture Secretary William Dar met with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairperson Wilma Eisma on June 30 to discuss a proposal to use a 2,000 square meter lot at the freeport zone for a 25-year period that is renewable upon mutual agreement.

“The DA and the SBMA have agreed in principle, pending approval of the SBMA Board, to establish the country’s first of the five planned so-called “first border control facility,” aptly termed as the Cold Examination Facility in Agriculture,” said the DA.

Other planned locations are at the ports in Manila, Batangas, Cebu, and Davao.   

These facilities will conduct full inspections of containerized agricultural commodities through risk assessments, x-ray screening by the Bureau of Customs, which subjects all agricultural and food imports to 100% sampling, and laboratory testing.   

“Each facility will feature controlled temperature systems that will capacitate quarantine officers to thoroughly inspect the contents of an identified high-risk containerized shipment and prevent the possible spread of hazardous biological agents, such as toxins, and radioactive elements carried by imported agricultural products,” said the DA.

According to the DA, the inspection facilities have a ₱521-million allocation from the Office of the President.

SOURCE: Business World