DA Strengthens Palawan Rice Sector with P67-M Processing Facility
MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has turned over a PHP67.63-million rice processing system (RPS) in Barangay Antipuluan, Narra, Palawan, reinforcing government support for the province’s agricultural development.
Funded under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program, the facility was completed in October 2025 and is expected to benefit more than 5,500 rice farmers cultivating around 12,000 hectares of rice land.
“If we are serious about food security, then investments like this must reach places like Palawan, where potential is high but logistics have long been a constraint,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
The RPS includes a multi-stage rice mill capable of processing up to three tons per hour and operating 16 to 20 hours daily. It also features four recirculating dryers, each with a six-ton batch capacity.
Farmers using the facility can expect production cost reductions of about PHP3 per kilogram and a projected 5-percent decrease in postharvest losses.
“This is how we win back our edge in rice. We don’t just increase production; we make every kilo count by cutting losses, lowering costs, and ensuring farmers capture more value,” Tiu Laurel added.
The turnover of the Narra RPS reflects the DA’s broader effort to modernize postharvest infrastructure, enhance rice competitiveness, and improve the livelihoods of Filipino farmers.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
