Cebu Province is pushing forward with plans to establish a Cebu Mega Food Hub in the City of Naga, aiming to strengthen food security, reduce food losses, and provide farmers with better market access. Governor Pamela Baricuatro announced the initiative during a press conference on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, held as part of the fifth-year celebration of the Cebu Food and Wine Festival.
Baricuatro said the project is being coordinated with the Department of Agriculture and is expected to break ground within the next few months. She highlighted that inflation in Central Visayas reached 10.8 percent in April, with rising food costs being a major driver, underscoring the urgent need to secure Cebu's food supply. "The most affected is agriculture because without food security, everyone is affected," she stated.
Addressing Infrastructure Gaps
The proposed facility will serve as a center for post-harvest handling, cold storage, trading, and distribution of agricultural products, directly addressing gaps in Cebu's food supply chain. Baricuatro noted that Cebu currently has only four refrigerated units, a severe shortage compared to other provinces. This lack of cold storage and post-harvest infrastructure has led to significant food losses, lower product quality, and weak support for the agriculture sector.
Agrilink Program and Direct Market Access
As part of the provincial government's response to inflation and agricultural challenges, Baricuatro cited the Agrilink Program, which allows farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers. This initiative improves market access and raises farmers' incomes, contributing to overall food security. "We want Cebu to be known as a province of charm," she said, adding that the province aims to be recognized not only for its tourist attractions but also for its local food, farm products, and culinary identity.
Baricuatro emphasized that support for local agriculture and Cebuano cuisine is part of the provincial government's strategy to position Cebu as a culinary and tourism destination while creating economic opportunities for local communities. The Mega Food Hub is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving these goals by reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring a stable food supply.
