President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. led the inauguration of the Php 64.6 million Rice Processing System II facility granted under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program to the Piddig Basi Multipurpose Cooperative (PBMC) in Piddig, Ilocos Norte on July 19, 2024.
In his keynote speech, he highlighted the direct benefits of the RPS to the farmers of Piddig and how this can improve the value chain not just of the municipality, but the province.
“This rice processing facility is one of the most important aspects in the value chain. Kung wala ito, unang-una ang drying natin nandun na naman sa mga kalsada o sa kung saan saan at nasisira lang yung ating mga ani. Nung wala pa ito (RPS), magpapadala pa tayo ng palay natin hanggang sa Bulacan at doon gigilingin. Sinong kikita ngayon sa processing, yung may ari ng rice mill hindi yung farmer,” President Marcos said.
“Ngayon dahil napunta na sa isang cooperative itong ating RPS, hindi na lalabas ng value chain ng Piddig, ng Ilocos Norte ang pagprocess kaya’t mababawasan ang gastos ng ating mga farmers” he added.
The president also honored the farmers as modern-day heroes for providing food for the nation and assured them of his support.
“Napakahalaga ng inyong ginagawa, we cannot say it enough that the heroes of today are our farmers and fishermen. Asahan ninyo na ang inyong pamahalaan ay nandito para sa inyo, laging bukas at nakikinig,” Marcos emphasized.
PHilMech Director IV Dr. Dionisio G. Alvindia highlighted how the facility could address food security and affordability in the country.
“Sa mga hakbang po na ito, hindi lamang natin tinitiyak ang mas maginhawang buhay para sa ating mga magsasaka, natitiyak din po natin na ang bawat Pilipino ay magkakaroon ng access sa mga abot-kaya, ligtas at sapat na pagkain maging sa hinaharap,” Dr. Alvindia said.
PBMC Chairman Mr. Felixberto V. Cid, Jr. and its members expressed gratitude to PHilMech and the program.
“Parang panaginip lang ito para sa amin. Ngayon na nandito na sa harap ko, panibagong buhay ito para sa amin dahil ang magsasaka sa Piddig ay mababanepisyo mula rito,” Cid said.
The cooperative also received production machines; they have received Php 71 million.
Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Piddig Mayor Georgina S. Guillen, and NIA Administrator Engr. Eduardo Eddie G. Guillen were all present during the inauguration and turnover ceremony. (FB, DA-PhilMech, July 19, 2024)
