President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday inspected a state-of-the-art rice processing complex in Barangay Ipil, Echague, Isable—a project aimed at boosting farmers’ productivity in the province.
The facility, known as the Rice Processing System II, was inaugurated on Nov. 28, 2024, under the government’s Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program.
The project, valued at P67.5 million, includes a multi-stage rice mill with a three-ton-per-hour capacity, costing P48.6 million, and five recirculating dryers with 12-ton capacities each, worth P18.9 million.
The Department of Agriculture said the RCEF was established under Republic Act 11203 to enhance rice farmers’ competitiveness and income amid the liberalization of the Philippine rice trade policy.
The program aims to lower production costs by P2-3 per kilogram, reduce post-harvest losses by 3-5%, and increase value addition by 30%.
The provincial government of Isabela, which oversees 70,556 registered farmers cultivating 66,303 hectares of rice land, is the program’s main beneficiary.
The complex is expected to improve rice processing and post-harvest operations, directly benefiting farmers in the region.
Joining President Marcos during the visit were Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel. Isabela Gov. Rodolfo Albano III and Echague Mayor Francis Faustino Dy were also present.