THE PROVINCIAL Government of Misamis Occidental officially inaugurated two modern rice processing facilities, offering free milling and drying services to local farmers for the first time in the province’s history.
Located in Barangay Santa Cruz, Tangub City, and Barangay Buenavista, Oroquieta City, the facilities were established under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) program of the Department of Agriculture and its attached agency, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PHILMECH), in partnership with the provincial government.
Each site is equipped with a multi-stage rice mill capable of processing 1.5 tons of palay per hour, and two mechanical dryers with a capacity of 6 tons per batch. The facilities aim to reduce post-harvest losses, lower production costs, and increase the income and competitiveness of rice farmers in the province.
“This facility is not just about machines – it’s about the farmer, the family, and the future,” Governor Henry S. Oaminal said during the inauguration. “Through strong collaboration with our national government partners under President Bongbong Marcos and Agriculture Secretary Kiko Laurel, and with the commitment of the province, we are delivering on our promise of inclusive, responsive, and effective leadership.”
Governor Oaminal also noted that the provincial government donated the land and fully funded the P39.4 million construction cost of each facility. He emphasized that addressing long-standing concerns over inadequate drying and milling services had been a priority early in his administration.
In less than a year after committing to resolve those challenges, the two government-owned facilities are now fully operational. “The more we help farmers reduce costs and increase output, the more we stimulate local economic growth,” Oaminal said. “It’s a win not just for Misamisnon farmers, but for the nation’s food self-sufficiency goals.”
The project is part of the Asenso Rice Farmers Full Assistance Program, which aims to improve rice productivity and increase farmer profitability. Officials say the availability of free processing services is expected to directly benefit rice-producing communities and contribute to broader economic development.
The initiative is aligned with the province’s Asenso Misamis Occidental development agenda titled Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon, ug Malipayon or 5Ms, meaning to build a peaceful, progressive, and joyful community.
All registered rice farmers in Misamis Occidental are eligible to avail of the free milling and drying services. (PR)
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