DTI plans 20-ha ecozone for food sector in Davao
Updated January 11, 2017 – 12:00am
http://www.philstar.com/
MANILA, Philippines – A 20-hectare economic zone for food-based industries is set to rise in Davao to further boost the city’s agriculture and tourism potential, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
The project would be implemented through a joint venture between NDC and a private partner.
“The proposed DFC will include food processing centers, cold storage and warehousing facilities with tourism attractions that will showcase the processed agricultural products of the region,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.
Lopez said agri-aquaculture for ornamental fish and hatchery facility, technology and business incubation center, as well as water filtration and bottling facility for potable water-related enterprises are also being planned to be developed in the complex.
The tourism component of the DFC, meanwhile, would include “dampa type” restaurants, festival marketplace, recreation parks and food retail outlets.
The DFC site forms part the 25-hectare land owned by NDC. The other five-hectare is currently being converted into the Davao Agri-Trading Center which is seen to make the site of the DFC project more strategic and sustainable.
“Doing this can reduce post-harvest losses and spoilage by as much as 20 percent, valued at P240 million per year. It will also generate employment of about 3,300 employees based on 220 per hectare labor force density in industrial estates,” Lopez said.
According to the trade chief, other benefits seen from the DFC development includes increase in value of productive lands in the area, savings in dollar reserves due to reduced volume of imports of fruits and vegetables, maintenance of quality products and good market price, and increase in tax revenue.
