A Brown, Russia firm forge deal to build agro irradiation centers

MANILA, Philippines — Listed A Brown Co. Inc. (ABCI) and partner Rusatom Healthcare, a division of Russian State Atomic Energy Corp. Rosatom, will build a network of agro irradiation centers in the Philippines starting 2018 to improve the country’s agribusiness sector.

The two firms have entered into a framework agreement, which was signed by ABCI president and CEO Roel Castro and Rusatom Healthcare deputy general director Rustam Rakhmatulin during the 26th Mindanao Business Conference last Sept. 9.

The deal affirms the commitment of both parties to move toward project execution, which is to construct a network of agro industrial centers.

The center will provide commercial services of product treatment with ionizing radiation. It will also serve as a research platform for radiation technology and its impact on various product properties.

Agricultural irradiation involves treating produce with a low dosage of ionizing radiation to eliminate bacteria and germs, prevent the spread of pests, and delay or prevent ripening or spoiling during transit and storage. The process reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses and increases longevity and shelf life. Since there is no direct contact with the radiation source, irradiated food does not become radioactive.

Castro expressed his confidence in the project, while acknowledging the importance of information campaigns and activities to enhance public awareness about nuclear technologies.

“These technologies unlock exciting opportunities for various industries,” he said.

“They help to save food and modify materials for industrial solutions. A Brown’s experience in infrastructure project development and agribusiness, combined with Rosatom’s experience in nuclear technology as well as the continued support of the Duterte government, will help to further drive innovations in the country,” he said.

The team-up will undertake feasibility studies by end-2017 and will commence design, engineering surveys and construction of the center in 2018.

Rusatom Healthcare CEO Denis Cherednichenko said they would offer “a turn-key solution in radiation technologies, which include the design and construction of irradiation centers, manufacture and delivery of equipment, personnel training, and commissioning of the center.”

“With our more than 70 years of experience, we hope the technologies we offer will contribute to the sustainable development of the Philippines,” he said.

The framework agreement was signed in the presence of Russian Ambassador Igor A. Khovaev and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president George Barcelon. President Duterte was the keynote speaker at the conference.

The trade deal is pursuant to the memorandum of cooperation signed by ABCI and Rosatom subsidiary Rusatom International Network last June 20 in Moscow.

ABCI is a key player in real estate and agribusiness in Southern Philippines with investments in mining, infrastructure, and energy, including the 2x135-megawatt (MW) coal-fired Palm Concepcion Power Corp. (PCPC) in Iloilo and the 55-MW bunker-fired Peakpower Energy Inc. serving various electric utilities in General Santos, Agusan del Sur, and part of Bukidnon. – With Richmond Mercurio