DA turns over P56M rice processing center in Buhi

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BUHI, CAM. SUR – The Department of Agriculture turned over a newly constructed Rice Processing Center (RPC 1) building to the San Antonio Farmers Irrigators Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SAFIMCO). DA-Bicol OIC-Regional Executive Director, Engr. Abelardo R. Bragas turned over the P56M worth facility to the SAFIMCO officers led by its chairman Loreto B. Cenita.

The building with a floor area of 300 sq. meters is equipped with a multi-pass rice mill (double pass; 1 ton/ hr. milling capacity). It will also serve as a warehouse where farmers can store their palay especially during rainy season. The facility located about 13 km. from Buhi town proper will benefit over 400 rice farmers cultivating about 200 hectares rice areas not only in Barangay San Ramon but also the adjacent barangays. The DA has earlier provided SAFIMCO a flatbed dryer, a palay shed and a multipurpose drying pavement.

The RCP1 is one of the facilities developed by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) which can be availed of by farmers association under the DA Rice Mechanization Program. This program aims to optimize the use of modern technologies in farming and offers machinery and equipment that lessens the drudgery of field work and lowers operational cost and increases farmer’s yield and income.

Dir. Bragas said that the facility is a concrete proof that the government through the DA is responding and doing something for its people especially the farmers. He appealed to the farmers to continue supporting the programs of the DA and to put their trust and confidence in the DA leadership especially to secretary Alcala because he is really sincere in helping the farmers and alleviating the agriculture sector.

The turn over ceremonies was also attended by Dr. Elena B. delos Santos, DA, RTD for Operations & Extension; Engr. Don David Julian of PHilMech which is providing technical assistance to the project; barangay captain Edito Lleno and the barangay council members, Engr. Nilda Albaño of the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division of DA; Edgar Collao, Municipal Agriculturist and his staff; Ceron Dakila of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management and other DA personnel.

SAFIMCO which has some 428 members was among the top 10 outstanding Irrigators Associated recognized and awarded in the 2013 Rice Achievers Awarding ceremonies held last year in Metro Manila. -Emily B. Bordado