The Philippine Department of Agriculture sets a year-end deadline for operators of agricultural warehouses and storage facilities to register their properties under new regulations to combat smuggling and hoarding.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) of the Philippines has announced that all operators of agricultural warehouses, cold storage facilities, and other agricultural and fishery storage properties must register their facilities by December 31, 2026. The registration is part of compliance with Republic Act No. 12022, also known as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act. This law mandates that such operators maintain accurate records of their inventories for at least five years.
Registration is to be conducted through the Registry System for Agri Storage. The DA clarified that registration is distinct from certification or inspection processes, which will be scheduled nationwide in 2027 with a regional roll-out to manage limited personnel resources.
The initiative aims to enhance government monitoring and oversight of the agricultural supply chain. By mapping storage locations and their inventories, the DA expects to increase traceability of products, allowing for early detection of unsanctioned activities such as smuggling and hoarding that threaten food security and disrupt the domestic market. This measure aligns with efforts to ensure a stable agricultural economy and protect the livelihoods dependent on the sector.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1004099/da-sets-dec-31-deadline-for-agri-storage-registration/story/