The Department of Agriculture (DA) handed over a rice processing facility worth ₱65.6 million to the Talabutab Norte Primary Multipurpose Cooperative in General Mamerto Natividad, Nueva Ecija, on 6 November 2026. The transfer is part of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program. The facility includes a multi‑stage rice mill valued at ₱54.7 million, capable of processing two to three tons per hour, and three mechanical dryers worth ₱10.88 million, with a combined capacity of 24 tons per batch. The milling system is equipped with pre‑cleaning, de‑stoning, hulling, polishing, grading, color‑sorting equipment and an automatic rice packing machine. Agriculture Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Christopher V. Morales and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) Director Dionisio G. Alvindia were present at the turnover. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the investment would give farmers greater control over the processing of their harvests and reduce dependence on outside service providers. “This investment will give our farmers greater control over how their palay is dried, milled, and processed, reducing their dependence on outside service providers while helping preserve grain quality. More importantly, it will allow them to retain more value from their harvest and improve their earning potential,” he said. Alvindia added that PHilMech will provide training and enterprise development support to ensure the facilities are used properly and operated sustainably. The project is expected to serve 11,219 farmers in General Mamerto Natividad and nearby communities who cultivate a combined 21,418 hectares of agricultural land. Under the RCEF Mechanization Program, qualified cooperatives receive machinery and postharvest equipment through grants‑in‑kind. Program estimates indicate that mechanization can reduce production costs by ₱2 to ₱3 per kilogram, while postharvest technologies can lower losses by 3% to 5%. The program has been extended until 2031 under Republic Act No. 12078, with its annual allocation increased from ₱5 billion to ₱9 billion.
Article source: The Daily Tribune | Image credit: The Daily Tribune