GUAGUA, Pampanga — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Friday led the turnover of the Rice Processing System II (RPS II) facility and distribution of farm machinery that will benefit more than 36,000 rice farmers across Pampanga.
The assistance is part of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization’s (PHilMech) Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program, which seeks to boost farmers’ productivity, profitability, and competitiveness through modern postharvest facilities and mechanized equipment.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who joined President Marcos at the event, underscored the importance of the project in strengthening the local food system and improving farmers’ income.
“This facility underscores the Marcos administration’s commitment to modernizing postharvest systems and sustaining Pampanga’s role as one of the country’s leading rice-producing provinces. By integrating appropriate postharvest technologies, we ensure farmers get more value for their crops and reduce their losses,” he said.
The RPS II facility features a ₱53.6-million multi-stage rice mill with a two to three ton-per-hour capacity. It is equipped with a pre-cleaner, de-stoner, huller, mist polisher, length grader, color sorter, blending tank, automatic packing machine, rice hull bin, dust collection system, and an air-conditioned control room.
It also includes ₱8.1-million recirculating dryers, each capable of drying 12 tons per batch. The stainless steel dryers come with dual heating systems, a generator set, and complete accessories.
Guagua Mayor Anthony Joseph Torres expressed gratitude to President Marcos, crediting the unity of farmers, local governments, and national agencies for making the project possible.
“This is a good project na pinagtulungan ng lahat—mula sa mga magsasaka, LGU, at national government. Makikita mo talaga sa ating Pangulo ang tunay na malasakit para sa mga magsasaka,” he said.
In addition to the milling and drying systems, rice combine harvesters were distributed to five farmer associations across Pampanga:
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SVMEX Farmers Association (Mexico)
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Barangay Sepung Ilog Farmers Irrigators Association Inc. (Sta. Ana)
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South Gumain Multipurpose Cooperative (Floridablanca)
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Carmencita Farmers Association (Floridablanca)
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The local government of Magalang
Farmer-beneficiaries hailed the turnover as a life-changing initiative that will improve both efficiency and productivity.
“Malaking tulong sa aming buhay, lalo na kapag araw ng tag-ani,” said SVMEX Farmers Association Chairperson Valentino Allas.
Desiree Vitug of the South Gumain Multipurpose Cooperative added that the new equipment will help solve the persistent problem of labor shortages in farmlands.
With 36,060 rice farmers cultivating 59,903 hectares of farmland, the RPS II and new farm machinery are expected to lower production costs by ₱2 to ₱3 per kilogram and reduce postharvest losses by three to five percent, resulting in higher yields, better grain quality, and increased incomes.
Under the 2025 RCEF Mechanization Program, Pampanga farmers and cooperatives are also set to receive 28 four-wheel tractors and 13 additional rice combine harvesters to further improve farm efficiency and sustainability.
Nationwide, 151 RPS units have been completed under RCEF 1.0, 145 of which were built under the Marcos administration, highlighting its strong commitment to agricultural modernization and farmer empowerment.
