MANILA – As a means to help both farmers and fishermen cope with the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said on Thursday it has installed several refrigerated containers in different parts of the country.
“Ang nilalayon po nito ay tulungan ang ating [local government units] na mag-preserba ng perishable goods at farm products lalo na sa gitna ng Covid-19 pandemic (This aims to help our LGUs preserve perishable goods and farm products especially in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic),” said Narciso Vingson Jr., MARINA chief, in a virtual briefing.
The refrigerated containers, donated by its partners in the shipping industry, have been transported to several LGUs, he added.
The program, called “Palamigan sa Bayan”, has distributed refrigerated containers to Ormoc, Leyte; Dingalan, Aurora; San Agustin, Romblon; Romblon, Romblon; Tuguegarao, Cagayan; Provincial Government of Cebu; Provincial Government of Bataan; San Remigio, Cebu; Bato, Leyte; Tubigon, Bohol; Claveria, Cagayan; and Iloilo City.
Vingson added that the project is ongoing, with plans to distribute more refrigerated containers in the near future.
The program was launched by the Department of Transportation in late 2018.