Isabela: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has turned over a PHP60-million Rice Processing System II (RPS II) to farmers in Isabela as part of efforts to modernize the country’s rice industry.
According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the initiative aligns with the administration’s goal of transforming the agriculture sector into a more progressive and technology-driven industry under the Bagong Pilipinas vision.
The new RPS II, provided under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program, was turned over to the Isabela Seed Growers’ Multi-Purpose Cooperative on November 6, 2025. The state-of-the-art package includes a modern multi-stage rice mill and recirculating dryers, which are expected to increase milling efficiency, improve the quality of grain, and eventually help increase farmers’ profit.
The multi-stage rice mill boasts a capacity of 2 to 3 tons per hour, while the two recirculating dryers have a capacity of 12 tons each per batch. In addition to the processing system, the DA also distributed PHP77 million worth of farm machinery to qualified farmer beneficiaries in Isabela. The machinery package includes tractors, transplanters, harvesters, and other essential equipment.
