ILOCOS NORTE – At the inauguration of a rice processing system and the turnover of various agricultural machinery at the Piddig Basi Multipurpose Cooperative, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced on Friday that the government aims to provide more rice processing systems and agricultural machinery to additional provinces.
“Kasi ‘yung kahit na… Pagka ganito kalaki ang processing, hindi lang Piddig ito. Buong probinsya makikinabang dito,” Marcos stated in his speech.
“At siguro pagka nakadelihensya pa tayo sa [Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund] ng kaunti pa, baka madagdagan na natin para naman lahat ng buong probinsya ay mararamdaman ang pagbabago na ginagawa natin para sa agrikultura,” he added.
The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) “has provided a substantial revenue stream for the government to finance essential development projects aimed at improving the competitiveness of the rice sector in the Philippines.”
The rice processing system, valued at P56.5 million, features a multi-stage rice mill with a capacity of two to three tons per hour. It includes a pre-cleaner, de-stoner, huller, mist polisher, length grader, color sorter, blending tank, automatic packing machine for milled rice, rice hull bin, dust collection system, air-conditioned control room, and transformer.
Additionally, it includes two recirculating dryers, each with a 12-ton per batch drying capacity. These dryers are made of stainless steel and come equipped with two heating systems, a generator set, tools, and other accessories valued at P8.1 million.