IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — A modern rice processing system (RPS) worth P62.8 million was recently inaugurated in Zamboanga Sibugay that will boost local rice output and support farming communities.
The facility, recently turned over by the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 9 (DA-RFO9) and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Mechanization Program, aims to improve postharvest operations for palay (unmilled rice) in the province.
Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Dulce Ann Hofer formally accepted the facility on behalf of the provincial government, underscoring its importance in advancing the local rice industry and supporting farmers amid rising production costs.
Equipped with a multistage rice milling system and recirculating dryers, the facility is designed to significantly reduce postharvest losses, improve grain quality, and accelerate processing efficiency.
More than a technical upgrade, it is expected to ease the burden on farmers who have long struggled with high costs, limited drying capacity, and income losses due to inefficient postharvest systems.
For the 16,423 Zamboanga Sibugay rice farmers, the project is expected to translate into more stable incomes, better market competitiveness, and reduced risks of crop depreciation — especially at a time when domestic fuel price volatility continues to affect agricultural logistics and input costs.
The DA-RFO9 said that by reducing postharvest inefficiencies, the RPS is expected to help farmers retain more value from their harvests and ensure that consumers benefit from a more reliable and affordable rice supply.