The local government of Catigbian held a groundbreaking and capsule-laying ceremony Aug. 7, 2026 for a P61-million Regional Food Terminal, launching an agricultural infrastructure project intended to improve the municipality’s food marketing and distribution system.
The ceremony was held at 9 a.m. in Barangay Poblacion Weste.
Mayor Benjie Oliva, in a Facebook post, said Catigbian secured the project through a partnership with Food Terminal Inc., working alongside Vice Mayor Esteban Angilan Jr. and the Sangguniang Bayan.
Oliva called the project a source of pride for the municipality.
The terminal is designed as a centralized facility for consolidating, storing, processing and distributing agricultural and fishery products.
Organizers said the project aims to strengthen market linkages by giving farmers, fisherfolk, traders and consumers a modern facility for product handling, storage and marketing.
Oliva said the facility would play a major role in strengthening food security and providing better market access for local products.
Oliva said the project would help boost production and improve product quality not only in Catigbian but all over Bohol province.
The project is funded by Food Terminal Inc., a government-owned and controlled corporation, which has allocated P61 million for the facility.
Officials said the investment reflects the national government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural infrastructure and improving food distribution efficiency in local communities.
FTI said it promotes economic development through efficient distribution of agricultural products and services, guided by principles of good governance, transparency, accountability and integrity.
The corporation also advocates for a gender- and development-responsive workplace while supporting sustainable, inclusive and resilient agricultural growth, it said.
Once completed, the terminal is expected to help reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality through proper storage and handling, and expand market opportunities for local producers.
Officials said it is also envisioned to strengthen food security, boost agricultural productivity and stimulate local economic activity by reinforcing the municipality’s agri-fishery value chain.
Guests at the groundbreaking and capsule-laying ceremony included FTI Vice President for Corporate Affairs Oliver Dicdican, FTI Vice President for Business Support Nicolas Aranilla Jr. and FTI Technical Assistant-Accountant Tristan Jasper Udtohan; Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado; First District Rep. John Geesnel “Baba” Yap; Officer-in-Charge Provincial Veterinarian Meydallyn Paman; and Provincial Agriculturist Liza Quirog.
They were joined by Mayor Oliva, Vice Mayor Angilan, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, representatives of national government agencies and partner institutions, barangay officials, farmers’ and fisherfolk organizations, and other stakeholders for the ceremonial start of the project.
The Regional Food Terminal is among Catigbian’s priority infrastructure projects to promote sustainable agricultural development and improve services to local farming and fishing sectors, officials said.
The facility is expected to benefit not only the municipality but also neighboring communities through a more efficient and accessible food distribution network.
Construction is set to begin following the groundbreaking, marking what officials described as another step in the municipality’s efforts to strengthen its agricultural economy, create livelihood opportunities and support long-term rural development.
Oliva thanked LGU Catigbian and Food Terminal Inc. for the partnership, which he said is expected to spur increased agricultural productivity, improved market access and inclusive economic growth in Bohol.