DA launches AFLO to ensure food security

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has officially launched the Agricultural and Fisheries Logistics Office (AFLO) to tackle inefficiencies in the farm-to-market supply chain and ensure food security across the Philippines.

AFLO is set to address a range of critical challenges, including post-harvest losses, high market prices, and logistical bottlenecks such as poor infrastructure and insufficient cold storage facilities.

The initiative is aligned with the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997, which aims to transform Philippine agriculture into a globally competitive sector.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the importance of AFLO, stating, “AFLO is key to building a resilient and sustainable food supply chain while improving profitability for farmers and fishers. This will also ensure more affordable food for consumers and raw materials for industries.”

One of AFLO’s main tasks is to develop a real-time logistics coordination and monitoring system that will track agricultural products, improve distribution efficiency, and reduce existing inefficiencies. This system is expected to enhance transparency, curb smuggling, and ensure traceability within the supply chain.

Additionally, AFLO will oversee critical infrastructure projects, including the development of cold storage warehouses, food hubs, and distribution centers, all designed to facilitate timely and cost-effective food distribution across the country.

To further modernize the supply chain, AFLO plans to adopt cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven tools and machine learning to minimize losses and optimize logistics. These innovations will work to streamline processes, lower costs, and ensure that products reach consumers in a more efficient and timely manner.

Collaboration between government agencies, local government units, and private sector partners will be crucial to improving transport, market linkages, and cost reduction. Partnerships with the Philippine Ports Authority, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority will also play a vital role in enhancing the handling of agricultural products through ports.

AFLO will also be responsible for establishing crisis management protocols to ensure the agricultural supply chain remains resilient to disruptions, such as natural disasters or pandemics, ensuring the continuity of food supply even in times of crisis.

“The creation of AFLO is a vital step in modernizing agriculture and fisheries. By addressing inefficiencies and promoting sustainability, we can secure our food future and advance the sector’s development,” the agriculture secretary concluded. (CEBU NEWS)