A first in Region 12, the Rice Processing System (RPS) III from the RCEF Mechanization Program valued at Php 72.13 million is officially open for business after its inauguration and turnover to Sta. Catalina Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SCMPC) in President Roxas, North Cotabato, on August 16.

This postharvest facility has a state-of-the-art multi-stage rice mill amounting to Php 60.5 million with 4-5 tons/hour capacity. Also, it has a pre-cleaner, de-stoner, huller, mist polisher, length grader, color sorter, blending tank, dust collection system, and an automatic packing machine for milled rice.

The RPS III also houses three units of recirculating dryers valued at Php 11.63 million, with 12 tons per batch drying capacity. It is made from stainless steel and equipped with two heating systems and a generator set for power backup.

It is expected to directly benefit the 229 farmer-members of the cooperative, and other rice farmers and consumers in the municipality and the province.

“On our end, we will work hard to achieve the goals of establishing this facility and become instruments in extending the benefits even to the farmers beyond our cooperative,” said Maria Fe Pineda, General Manager of SCMPC.

Governor Emmylou Taliño Mendoza, Vice Governor Efren Piñol, PHilMech Director III Joel V. Dator, DA RFO XII Director Roberto Perales, and other partner agencies were in attendance to witness the unveiling, ribbon cutting, and tour of the facility. (FB, DA-PhilMech, August 21, 2024)