In the coastal town of Pilar, Cebu, with a population of 12,500, the sun is now playing an unexpected role: helping produce ice that could drive economic growth for this municipality, one of four islands in the Camotes Group.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the poverty rate in Pilar nearly doubled in 2021, rising to 45.3% from 23.5% in 2018—a clear consequence of the economic fallout from COVID-19. Fishing and tourism remain the town’s primary sources of livelihood.
But a new chapter is unfolding. As part of ongoing efforts to sustain post-pandemic recovery, the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) inaugurated and handed over a solar-powered ice block machine to local fisherfolk on Wednesday, February 19.
This initiative is part of the broader Establishment of Agricultural and Fisheries Postharvest Facilities project, championed by Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. recently stressed the importance of ice plants in a multiyear budget planning session. “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.”
PHilMech’s new project aims to provide a sustainable and cost-efficient ice supply, ensuring better preservation of fish and other perishable goods, thereby boosting productivity. The solar-powered machine significantly reduces operating costs, offering an eco-friendly and reliable solution for maintaining an affordable ice supply.
The ice block machine can produce up to 30 ice blocks per cycle, with each block weighing 5 kg—for a total of 150 kg per cycle. It operates up to four times a day and 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 rack system, a 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.
PHilMech Director IV Dionisio G. Alvindia, represented by Director III Joel V. Dator, led the turnover ceremony, officially presenting the equipment to Pilar Mayor Manuel P. Santiago, a lawyer by profession. The mayor expressed deep gratitude to PHilMech and Senator Villar’s office for their support.
Mayor Santiago said the ice plant would significantly benefit Pilar’s fisherfolk, boosting fish production, particularly for bangus and other marine resources.
Beyond its fishing industry, Pilar is also home to a thriving marine park and pristine white sand beaches that attract tourists. With a steady ice supply, both agriculture and tourism stand to benefit, ensuring fresh products reach local markets and visitors alike. ###
