Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced plans for a June rollout of secure identification and color-coded stickers for agricultural trucks. This initiative aims to enhance the system for accredited agricultural truckers across the nation.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA Undersecretary for Agro-Marine Industrial System Arrey Perez, during a press conference, highlighted that this development would facilitate access to future subsidy programs for transporters. Perez emphasized the importance of a diligent study and exploration phase to ensure the effective implementation of the identifier system for all trucks.

The proposed identifier system will include a security seal, the truck's plate number, a hotline number, and a 'do not delay' label. Scanning the security seal will reveal essential details about the truck, such as its origin and the commodities it is transporting.

Perez indicated that the DA is targeting a one to two-month period to implement the system, aiming for completion by June. In addition to the secure IDs, the DA plans to introduce color-coded stickers to indicate the types of commodities transported by accredited agricultural vehicles. Specific colors will help identify whether a truck is carrying rice, corn, fish, or meat.

The DA also intends to draw from the existing food lane program as a reference point for implementing the new system, ensuring a smooth transition and integration.