The local government units of Castillejos, Zambales, and Tarlac, Tarlac are set to receive Rice Processing System I (RPS I) facilities under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program after signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with PHilMech on August 19, 2024.

These RPS facilities aim to curb postharvest losses and add value to the income of farmers by enabling them to produce dried palay or processed rice which can be sold at a higher price.
Each of the facilities has two units of recirculating dryer, with 6 tons/batch capacity, and one unit of multi-pass rice mill with 1.5 tons/hour capacity, amounting to Php 18.7 million.

As of writing, the municipality of Castillejos has already received Php 42.61 million worth of agricultural machines and equipment, while the city of Tarlac has already received Php 59.3 million worth of machines under the RCEF Mechanization Program. //JJPRuedas (FB, DA-PhilMech, August 27, 2024)