The Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental inaugurated its first Rice Processing System under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) in Barangay Santa Cruz, Tangub City, and Barangay Buenavista, Oroquieta City. The facilities provide free rice milling and drying services to local farmers, helping reduce production costs and increase farmer income. (Photo courtesy of PGMO)
TheMonintorMindanaoToday.com | Misamis Occidental opens rice processing system with free milling drying services
MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL — The Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental inaugurated its first rice processing system under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), offering free milling and drying services to local farmers.
Located in Barangay Santa Cruz, Tangub City, and Barangay Buenavista, Oroquieta City, the facilities aim to reduce production costs and improve post-harvest processing for rice farmers in the province.
The project is a collaboration between the Provincial Government, the Department of Agriculture, and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHILMECH). Each facility includes a 1.5-ton-per-hour multi-stage rice mill and two 6-ton-per-batch mechanical dryers.
“This is a product of strong collaboration between national and local governments,” said Governor Henry S. Oaminal during the inauguration. “This facility, funded through the RCEF under President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and Secretary of Agriculture Francisco ‘Kiko’ Tiu Laurel Jr., is not only a fulfillment of a promise but a manifestation of genuine service and effective governance.”
The provincial government provided the land and funded the P39.4 million construction cost per facility.
The project is part of the Asenso Rice Farmers Full Assistance Program, targeting higher rice productivity and farmer income. Free access to processing services is expected to improve earnings and rice quality.
“When production increases, so does the Gross Domestic Product. Lower production costs and higher output mean higher income for our farmers. That is progress not only for Misamis Occidental but for the entire nation,” Oaminal added.
Oaminal committed to the initiative before July 2024 in response to concerns over-drying and milling costs. Less than a year later, both facilities are operational. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
###
