TUAO, Cagayan—Governor Edgar “Manong Egay” Aglipay and Vice Governor Manuel N. Mamba led the groundbreaking of the Itawes Rice Processing Center (RPC) III in Lakambini, Tuao, on January 21.
Aglipay said the facility underscores the provincial government’s commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening the local economy.
He thanked the Department of Agriculture (DA), PhilMech, and Vice Governor Mamba for supporting the project.
Vice Governor Mamba described the center as a game-changer for Tuao, noting that it addresses long-standing challenges faced by rice farmers.
Mayor William Mamba said the project would help uplift both farmers and the local community.
DA Regional Director Dr. Rose Mary Aquino said the facility will reduce post-harvest losses, improve rice quality and pricing, create jobs, and boost the competitiveness of Cagayan’s rice industry.
The RPC III, funded at P185.3 million, is a joint project of the DA, LGU Tuao, and PhilMech. It includes two warehouses and a grain silo to support palay storage and processing.
