Philippines Expands Post‑Harvest Infrastructure With New Drying Pavement And Onion Cold Storage In Isabela
The Philippine government has introduced new post‑harvest infrastructure in Isabela province aimed at reducing crop losses and improving market access for farmers. President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr inspected a multi‑purpose drying pavement and an onion cold storage facility in the municipality of Ramon on 26 March 2026. The facilities are expected to strengthen agricultural supply chains, support farm incomes and improve storage conditions for rice and onion harvests in northern Luzon, according to details released during the inspection of the new agricultural facilities.
New storage and drying facilities for farmers
The Ambatali Warehouse with Multi‑Purpose Drying Pavement and the Ramon Onion Cold Storage Facility are located in Barangay Ambatali in Ramon, Isabela. The facilities were turned over to local farmers and are expected to support around 1,500 farmers from Isabela and neighbouring Nueva Vizcaya.
President Marcos toured the site alongside Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr, as well as provincial and local government officials. The visit formed part of the government’s wider efforts to strengthen post‑harvest systems and improve the handling of key agricultural commodities.
Cold storage aims to reduce onion spoilage
The onion cold storage facility can accommodate up to 20,000 bags of onions. According to the Department of Agriculture, the facility could prevent the spoilage of around 4,000 to 7,000 bags that might otherwise deteriorate due to inadequate storage.
Improved cold storage capacity is intended to help stabilise supply throughout the year and reduce pressure on farmers to sell immediately after harvest, when market prices may be low. By extending storage time, farmers may have greater flexibility in bringing produce to market.
The government has acknowledged that limited cold storage infrastructure has contributed to post‑harvest losses and price fluctuations in agricultural commodities, including onions.
Drying pavement to improve rice handling
The Ambatali Warehouse and Drying Pavement has the capacity to store up to 14,000 cavans of palay. It also includes a drying facility capable of processing approximately 3,625 sacks of palay per cycle.
Drying infrastructure is particularly important for maintaining grain quality after harvest. Without adequate facilities, farmers often resort to drying rice along roadside areas, which can expose the crop to contamination, traffic hazards and grain damage, ultimately lowering its market value.
Efforts to modernise post‑harvest systems complement broader initiatives in the country to improve farm productivity through innovation and technology, including programmes that promote digital tools to advance rice farming and wider efforts aimed at transforming agriculture through digital technologies.
Additional government support for farmers
Alongside infrastructure investments, the national government is continuing to provide financial and operational support to farmers. This includes fuel and fertiliser subsidies intended to help offset rising production costs.
Farmers may also receive financial assistance through the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families programme. The Department of Agriculture is coordinating with the provincial government of Isabela to ensure that eligible farmers in the area can access these forms of support.
Officials say investments in storage, drying and logistics infrastructure are designed to strengthen agricultural resilience, reduce post‑harvest losses and improve income stability for farming communities.
