Agriculture Secretary William Dar reluctantly admitted that the construction of what will be the Philippines’ first ever first-border quarantine facility for farm products is facing further delays. Today, Dar said has encountered problems with Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) regarding the construction of the Agricultural Commodity Examination Area, which will now be referred to as Commodity Examination Facility for Agriculture (CEFA).
This is more than two years since Dar first revealed the government’s plan to build the center, which will serve as a first border inspection facility. CEFA is also designed to prevent the entry of smuggled agricultural products in the country or those contaminated with animal and plant diseases.
The construction of this facility will serve as DA’s compliance with the ‘Quarantine First Policy’ of the Republic Act (RA) 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013. Under this law, all imported foods shall undergo cargo inspection and clearance procedures by the DA and the Department of Health (DOH) at the first port of entry to determine compliance with national regulations.
Dar’s statement regarding ACEA came as he asked Metro Manila consumers to be vigilant about potential smuggled carrots and vegetables now being distributed in the markets.
