P74.4-M Rice Processing Facility Inaugurated in Cabanatuan to Boost Farmer Income

A P74.4-million rice processing facility was inaugurated on Thursday in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, a province known as the country's main rice-producing area. The facility aims to modernize post-harvest operations and boost the income of local farmers. Dubbed Rice Processing System III, the facility features a state-of-the-art multi-stage rice mill with a capacity of four to five tons per hour. It also includes three recirculating dryers, each capable of drying 12 tons per batch. These capabilities are expected to expedite drying and milling processes, significantly reduce post-harvest losses, enhance the quality of rice, and ultimately increase the net income of farmers. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the facility's importance, stating, "The true progress of agriculture is not measured only by the volume of rice harvested, but by the comfort and prosperity it brings to the table of every farming family." The project was funded under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program. This program, which has been extended through 2031 with an increased annual allocation of ₱9 billion, provides farm and post-harvest machinery to qualified local government units, farmers' cooperatives, and associations to improve their yield, income, and market competitiveness. Enhancing rice productivity and stabilizing farmer incomes are critical national priorities for the Philippines, particularly concerning food security. This new facility represents a key initiative within the country's broader agricultural policy framework.