3 weeks ago
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THE Department of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PHilMech) has turned over a solar-powered ice block machine to fisherfolk in Pilar, Cebu, for cost-efficient ice supply and better preservation of fish and other marine products.
In the DA's recent multiyear budget planning session, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted the importance of ice plants 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."
With the new project, PHilMech aims to provide cost-efficient and sustainable ice supply for better preservation of fish and other goods, which would in turn boost productivity.
Being solar-powered, the machine also entails eco-friendly solutions and reduced operating costs for providing ice supply, Tiu Laurel said.
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The ice block machine produces 30 5-kilogram ice blocks per cycle, giving a total of 150 kilograms of ice per cycle. It can produce ice up to four times a day, has a stainless steel frame, dual compressors compatible with single-phase electric motors, direct-contact cooling and an eco-friendly refrigerant.
The entire ice production mechanism costs P3.9 million and includes solar panels, a rack system, hybrid inverter power plant, 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.
Pilar Mayor Manuel Santiago thanked DA-PHilMech and said the ice plants would help boost their fish productivity.
With a stable ice supply, fisherfolk can ensure that their products remain fresh as it reaches the market, he said.
