CATIGBIAN, Bohol – The province of Bohol officially broke ground on a P61-million Regional Food Terminal today, Friday, August 7, 2026, in Barangay Poblacion Weste, Catigbian. Funded by Food Terminal, Inc. (FTI), the ambitious project aims to modernize the marketing, distribution, and storage of agricultural and fishery products across the region, marking a pivotal moment for local producers and consumers.
This substantial investment seeks to fundamentally transform Bohol’s agri-fishery sector, addressing deep-seated inefficiencies that have long hindered economic growth and food security. The facility is poised to centralize and streamline the flow of produce from farms to markets, promising higher incomes for farmers, a more stable food supply for residents, and a significant boost to the rural economy.
The ceremonial groundbreaking, attended by a host of local and national officials, signified the formal commencement of what is envisioned as a central hub. Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado and Catigbian Mayor Benjie Oliva led the proceedings, joined by representatives from FTI, including Vice President for Corporate Affairs Atty. Oliver Dicdican, Vice President for Business Support Atty. Nicolas Aranilla Jr., and Technical Assistant-Accountant Tristan Jasper Udtohan. Their collective presence underscored the collaborative effort driving this vital infrastructure development.
For decades, farmers and fisherfolk across Bohol have contended with the persistent challenges of a fragmented and underdeveloped supply chain. The absence of modern post-harvest facilities, including adequate storage and processing infrastructure, has frequently led to substantial losses after harvest. This historical deficiency has not only compromised the quality of their hard-earned produce but also severely limited their capacity to access wider markets and realize fair prices for their goods, perpetuating cycles of economic vulnerability.
The new regional food terminal is designed to directly counteract these long-standing issues. It will serve as a modern, centralized solution to optimize every stage of the agricultural value chain, from the initial collection of produce to its ultimate delivery to consumers. By providing state-of-the-art facilities, it aims to reduce spoilage, enhance product quality, and establish a more efficient pathway for goods to reach various markets, thereby strengthening the entire system from farm to table.
Mayor Benjie Oliva, a staunch advocate for the project, highlighted its profound anticipated impact. He had championed the initiative as a key promise during his State of the Municipality Address at the Katigbawan Festival in June 2026. Oliva emphasized that the facility would offer more than just improved handling and storage; it would forge robust connections between local producers and larger consumer bases, a development he believes will be a "game-changer" for Catigbian's agricultural landscape and surrounding communities.
The P61-million funding, drawn entirely from FTI’s Corporate Operating Budget, reflects a significant commitment from the national agency to bolster the agri-fishery sector in provinces like Bohol, which depend heavily on agriculture. The FTI officials present at the ceremony reiterated their dedication to supporting such critical provincial endeavors, recognizing Bohol's agricultural potential and the strategic investments required to fully unlock it. This infusion of capital is a testament to a shared vision for modernizing the regional food system.
Beyond the immediate logistical improvements, the Regional Food Terminal is poised to usher in an era of enhanced food security for Bohol. By creating more efficient and expanded market opportunities for local farmers and fisherfolk, the facility will help ensure a more stable and consistent supply of fresh, high-quality produce for consumers throughout the province. This enhanced stability is particularly crucial for a region that frequently faces various climatic disruptions and economic pressures, positioning the terminal as a cornerstone of resilience in the local food system.
The construction of the facility is slated to commence swiftly on August 15, 2026, with Tuanson Construction awarded the contract. An ambitious timeline targets the completion of the entire complex by February 10, 2027, indicating the urgency and priority accorded to this project by both local and national stakeholders. This rapid development schedule underscores a collective desire to realize the benefits of a modernized food supply chain as quickly as possible, providing timely relief and new opportunities for agricultural communities.
Governor Aumentado further elaborated on the broader implications of the food terminal, asserting that it would contribute significantly to the provincial government’s overarching goal of strengthening food security across Bohol. He underscored that the project aligns seamlessly with ongoing efforts to upgrade existing post-harvest facilities and enhance the entire agricultural value chain throughout the province. This integrated and comprehensive approach is deemed vital for fostering sustainable agricultural development, ensuring that improvements at one stage of the chain are effectively complemented by advancements at all others.
The economic multiplier effect stemming from such a centralized terminal is expected to be considerable. By expanding market access and drastically reducing post-harvest losses, farmers can anticipate higher and more consistent incomes, which in turn will stimulate economic activity in rural communities. The terminal itself will generate new employment opportunities in critical areas such as logistics, cold chain management, processing, and facility administration. Furthermore, the enhanced availability of quality produce at potentially more competitive prices will directly benefit consumers, contributing to improved nutrition and overall well-being for Boholanos.
The groundbreaking ceremony was not merely a symbolic act but a tangible step towards realizing a vision of a prosperous and food-secure Bohol. It represents a strategic investment in the foundational strength of the province, ensuring that its rich agricultural heritage translates into enduring economic vitality and improved welfare for all its residents.
The Philippines, an archipelago nation, has long grappled with the complex challenges of its fragmented supply chains, particularly in its vital agricultural sector. Post-harvest losses, exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and logistical hurdles, annually cost farmers billions of pesos and contribute to food insecurity. Regional food terminals like the one breaking ground in Catigbian are part of a broader national strategy to modernize the agricultural value chain, enhance domestic food production, and empower rural economies.
This project also reflects a critical shift towards decentralizing food hubs, moving away from an overreliance on metropolitan centers and building resilience at the provincial level. The Food Terminal, Inc. (FTI), a government-owned and controlled corporation under the Department of Agriculture, plays a crucial role in these initiatives, aiming to provide essential infrastructure that supports farmers and ensures food availability and affordability for all Filipinos. The Bohol terminal is a significant piece in this national mosaic of agricultural development.
With the collective efforts of local government units, national agencies like FTI, and the unwavering spirit of the farming and fishing communities, the P61-million Regional Food Terminal in Catigbian stands as a beacon of hope. This modern infrastructure is poised to yield substantial returns for generations to come, transforming Bohol's agricultural landscape and ensuring a more secure and prosperous future for its people.