MANILA — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has raised concerns over reports that cold storage facilities are filled with imported agricultural goods, limiting access for local farmers and potentially worsening post-harvest losses.

Pangilinan, who heads the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, said he intends to summon cold storage operators and traders to a Senate hearing to address challenges affecting the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

He emphasized the importance of cold storage facilities in maintaining the quality of farm produce, noting that proper access helps stabilize food supply and supports fair pricing in the market.

However, farmers have complained of restricted access, high storage fees, and alleged preferential treatment given to large traders and importers. These issues, he said, have sidelined small-scale producers from using the facilities.

“So isa yan, sa susunod na hearing natin, ipapatawag natin lahat ng cold storage operators pati mga trader. Mukhang pinipuwera, sinasadyang hindi bigyan ng cold storage yung ating mga magsisibuyas para ibenta nang palugi dito sa mga trader na ito. Kaya bubusisiin natin yan,” Pangilinan said in a radio interview on Monday, April 6.

The senator pointed out that onions can last between six to nine months when stored properly but are prone to spoilage without adequate storage conditions.

He also criticized the continued importation of onions during the local harvest season, warning that some traders may be exploiting the situation by limiting farmers’ access to storage, forcing them to sell their produce at lower prices.

“We are warning you. Wag niyo kaming paikutin dito at kayo mismo sasampahan namin ng kaso na agri-economic sabotage kapag nakita ang ebidensya,” Pangilinan stressed.

Pangilinan reiterated his support for policies aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector, including improving post-harvest facilities and providing better support services for farmers and fisherfolk.