P710-M‘Divisoria' of Luzon opens in Bulacan

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga— The highly anticipated P710-million North Food Exchange (NFEx), touted as the Food Divisoria of Luzon, opened Nov. 19 in Balagtas, Bulacan, the National Economic and Development Authority here said.

The 130-hectare complex is said to be the strategic, agro-economic, transport, processing, and commercial center envisioned to boost food security, economic bounty, and sustainable agro-industrial development in Luzon.

Accessible through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), MacArthur Highway, and soon the Northrail speed train system, NFEx is an agricultural and fishery product - wholesale and retail center - designed to modernize food transport, storage, processing, and distribution.

NEDA said the NFEx is a one of a kind pioneering economic center adding that its modern food depot terminal, commercial shopping center, agri-processing and storage complex, and export product show window are designed to transform the agriculture and fisheries sector into a strong globally competitive entrepreneurial force for the Luzon regions and the country.

“NFEx is a modern, functional, efficient and comprehensive market processing exhibition complex that will bring beneficiaries under one roof. The project will employ the best strategies and techniques from successful food exchange in Europe and Asia. It is under the direction of expert food and agricultural managers in the Philippines. This will provide complete facilities in trading, food processing, storage and related services,” NEDA reported.

Small-scale farmers and fishermen have been given priority in the trading complex. The involvement of middlemen in the marketing of produce will be removed, improving the income of small industries.

NFExTiangge will be open every Saturday until December 17, according to Balagtas municipal information officer Rolly Danes.

“It is expected that the NFExTiangge will be a venue to show the potentials of the NFEx project that will amplify the level of livelihood of Bulakenyos particular in the sector of agriculture,” said Danes.

Danes said the project was only a dream then but the start of operations proved the realization of the envisioned mega trading center in the country which he tagged as an “expressway to progress.”

“It is the mission of NFEx to increase the income of farmers, fishermen, and small investors; provide and sustain low prices of agricultural products; fortify the agriculture economy; and give a strong position to the masses of the society,” Danes added.

There are talks of replicating the food complex in Visayas and Mindanao.