DA INVESTS P67-M RICE FACILITY IN PALAWAN TO CUT COSTS, BOOST FARMERS’ INCOME

The Department of Agriculture (DA) inaugurated a PHP67.63-million rice processing system (RPS) in Narra, Palawan to strengthen post-harvest capabilities and support local farmers.
Funded under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program, the facility is expected to benefit over 5,500 farmers cultivating around 12,000 hectares of rice land.
The RPS features a high-capacity rice mill and multiple dryers, improving efficiency and allowing continuous operations for up to 20 hours daily.
With the new system, farmers could reduce production costs by about PHP3 per kilogram and cut post-harvest losses by an estimated 5 percent.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the investment highlights the government’s push for food security by improving efficiency, reducing losses, and increasing farmers’ earnings.