Sarrat: Provincial officials called on Ilocos Norte farmers on Tuesday to use a multi-commodity cold storage facility in Sarrat town in time for the peak harvest season. Funded by the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), the PHP33.4 million facility is managed by the San Joaquin Multi-Purpose Cooperative. Currently, only a few farmers are using the industrial cold storage facility, which can store up to 100 metric tons of tomatoes, according to Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc.

According to Philippines News Agency, to maximize its use, Manotoc and Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos called on the San Joaquin Multi-Purpose Cooperative to open the facility for everyone. "The use of the cold storage is for everyone. It is funded by the DA for the entire province to use," Manotoc said in an interview.

Currently, about 15 tons of red onions from the Pasuquin Onion and Garlic Agricultural Cooperative are stored at the facility, including 12 tons of white onions from farmers of Vintar and Batac. In a separate interview, Engr. Maria Teresa Bacnat, officer in charge of the Provincial Agriculture Office, said farmers may consider using the cold storage facility to extend the shelf life of their produce in time for the next harvest season.

The Ilocos Norte government is also encouraging more farmers to bring their produce to the newly opened trading center or "Bagsakan ti Norte" in Batac City and transact with traders there. According to Manotoc, no entrance fees are collected at the Bagsakan to entice more producers and sellers to transact business there.

The provincial government is also giving free hauling services to farmers and cooperatives to encourage the use of the Bagsakan as a dedicated space for accredited farmers' associations and cooperatives. This helps reduce transport costs, promote local products, and connect farmers directly with institutional buyers.