Solar-powered ice plant launched in Pilar, Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — A new solar-powered ice block machine is set to launch for the fishing industry in Pilar, Cebu to provide sustainable and cost-efficient solutions to preserve marine products and drive economic growth.

The Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) formally turned over the facility to local fisherfolk on Wednesday, February 19, as part of the government’s post-pandemic recovery efforts. The initiative falls under the Establishment of Agricultural and Fisheries Post harvest Facilities project, spearheaded by Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Pilar’s poverty rate nearly doubled in 2021, surging to 45.3 percent from 23.5 percent in 2018 largely due to the economic downturn brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fishing and tourism remain the town’s main sources of livelihood, making the new ice plant a crucial addition to its economic infrastructure.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has emphasized the importance of ice plants in improving food security and income stability for fishing communities.

“Building ice plants will extend the shelf life of agricultural products, especially fish,” he said. “With proper icing, fish can remain fresh for up to seven days, allowing fishermen to transport their catch to markets where demand is higher,” he added.

The solar-powered machine, designed for efficiency and sustainability, can produce up to 30 ice blocks per cycle, with each block weighing 5 kg for a total of 150 kg per cycle. Operating up to four times daily, the machine features a stainless steel frame, dual compressors compatible with a single-phase electric motor, direct-contact cooling, and an eco-friendly refrigerant.

The P3.9 million investment includes solar panels, a hybrid inverter power plant, a rack system, two sets of batteries, a water filtration system, a container-type ice block system, a stainless steel ice block crusher, a steel-door chest freezer, and plastic fish crates for storage.

PHilMech Director IV Dionisio G. Alvindia, represented by Director III Joel V. Dator, led the turnover ceremony, officially handing over the equipment to Pilar Mayor Manuel P. Santiago. The mayor, a lawyer by profession, expressed his gratitude to PHilMech and Senator Villar’s office for their support.

Mayor Santiago stated that the ice plant would greatly benefit the fisherfolk of Pilar by enhancing fish production, especially for bangus and other marine resources.

Pilar, one of four islands in the Camotes Group, is also known for its marine park and white sand beaches that attract tourists. With a stable ice supply, both the fisheries and tourism industries stand to benefit, ensuring fresh products reach local markets and visitors alike.

The project is expected to create a ripple effect in the local economy, providing job opportunities and improving the overall quality of life for Pilar’s 12,500 residents. (CEBU NEWS)