UIPC urges food industry to invest in insulated, solar-powered facilities as El Niño strikes Philippines

The Union Insulated Panel Corporation (UIPC) has urged food industry players to adopt insulated and solar-powered facilities to reduce losses and protect food supplies amid the Super El Niño. The company inaugurated a 2.6-hectare plant in Porac, Pampanga on Tuesday, with an annual capacity of one mi

Union Insulated Panel Corporation (UIPC) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Danielle del Rosario on Tuesday urged food industry players to invest in insulated and solar-powered facilities to reduce losses and protect food supplies amid the El Niño weather phenomenon.

“The Super El Niño will really have an impact in terms of our food preparation,” Ms del Rosario told reporters in an interview. “If produce doesn’t have a safe place to be stored, then it will go to waste, or it will dry up.”

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed that El Niño has been active in the Tropical Pacific since June and may develop into a “very strong” event that could last until 2027. Extreme heat has already caused P6.539 billion in agricultural damage, with dry spells across different regions damaging an estimated 241,664.95 hectares of crops — 51,594.93 hectares totally damaged and 188,507.02 hectares partially damaged.

Ms del Rosario noted that energy-efficient technologies and design can help reduce the weather phenomenon’s impact on the food supply chain. “We think that there are ways for businesses to really prepare ahead. There’s still time,” she said. “Combining insulated panels and roofing, and then energy-efficient systems, we think that we have some small ways in our way to help the effects of Super El Niño.”

Insulated panels can be used for roofing, walling, and other needs of temperature-controlled facilities such as cold storage, blast freezers, and warehouses across the food, agricultural, and industrial sectors. “When we use insulated panels, we can conserve as much as 30% more energy,” she said. “Air conditioners, chillers, and refrigerator systems don’t have to work so hard. It can also save as much as 50% in terms of construction time.”

The UIPC inaugurated its 2.6-hectare plant in Porac, Pampanga on Tuesday, with an annual production capacity of one million square metres of insulated panels. The plant is expected to complement investment opportunities in the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC). “It’s within only a few kilometres of Clark, Tarlac, Pangasinan, and, of course, the rest of Pampanga,” the UIPC official said. “As the region grows and develops, and we already see it, our location is perfect.”

The Luzon Economic Corridor accounts for about 50% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and is intended to attract more investment and job opportunities through infrastructure development and expanded manufacturing activities.