Antique: Farmers and fisherfolk in Antique expressed their gratitude as they received more than PHP200 million worth of projects from the Department of Agriculture (DA), including a newly inaugurated Rice Processing Center (RPC) by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Rice Processing Center is one of three state-of-the-art projects in Western Visayas funded by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech). These projects are equipped with multi-storage rice mills and mechanical dryers, with additional centers located in Patnongon, Antique, and Tigbauan, Iloilo.
The Department of Agriculture provided essential infrastructure and equipment such as a warehouse, a hauling truck, a forklift, a weighing scale, and a moisture meter. Maria Teresa Solis, DA Western Visayas Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension, noted the significant impact of the RPC, highlighting its provision of a reliable market for rice farmers at competitive prices.
The Hamtic Multi-purpose Cooperative, which owns the project, received a PHP1.5 million trading capital grant from the DA. The center is set to purchase palay from local farmers at a price PHP1 to PHP2 higher than private traders, offering farmers a patronage refund at the year's end as they become cooperative members.
Erlinda Ricarze, president of the Hamtic Bongbongan I and II Farmers Association, emphasized the importance of the RPC in addressing market challenges, particularly for wet palay. She expressed her gratitude to President Marcos and anticipation for further support to farmers.
Ruben Seballos, director of Hamtic MPC, stated that the project is expected to enhance farmers' economic status by providing a stable income source each harvest season. The cooperative also offers training in comprehensive farming techniques, allowing farmers to adopt modern methods and secure continuous income.
Mercedita Situbal, a farmer from Barangay Gen. Fullon in Hamtic, expressed relief at the opportunity to sell produce at higher prices, which previously ranged from PHP10 to PHP17 per kilo.
President Marcos addressed the farmers, affirming that the new facilities would ease their workload and improve efficiency. He announced the government's plan to expand the construction of drying systems nationwide, aiming to eliminate the need for farmers to dry palay on roads.
In addition to the RPC, President Marcos distributed funds for various DA projects, indemnity claims, motorboats, and support from other agricultural agencies, including the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Philippine Coconut Authority, PhilMech, and the Philippine Rice Research Institute.
