New Rice Processing Systems Launched in Antique to Enhance Provincial Production

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Two newly established rice processing systems (RPS) in the municipalities of Hamtic and Patnongon were officially inaugurated on November 20, marking a significant milestone in boosting rice production across Antique province. Valued at a combined total of PHP129 million, these facilities were developed through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech).

The RPS facilities were formally handed over to local cooperatives, namely the Kalipunan ng mga Magsasaka sa Patnongon (KAMAPAT) and the Hamtic Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC). According to Sonie Guanco, head of the DA Agricultural Program Coordinating Office in Antique, "These state-of-the-art facilities will provide farmers with essential services ranging from rice drying to milling, ensuring better processing and quality of their harvests."

The KAMAPAT facility in Patnongon includes a rice mill, dryer, and warehouse, amounting to PHP63.737 million, while the Hamtic MPC’s system boasts equipment such as a rice mill, dryer, warehouse, hauling truck, forklift, weighing scale, and moisture meter, with an investment of PHP60.866 million.

Guanco emphasized the importance of sustainable management, noting, "The cooperatives are tasked with establishing internal regulations regarding facility usage and fees to cover operational and maintenance expenses."

Operations at both facilities commenced immediately following the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Farmers from other municipalities within Antique are encouraged to coordinate with these cooperatives to access the processing services.

The inauguration event was graced by Lone District Representative Antonio Agapito Legarda, Antique Governor Paolo Everardo Javier, PhilMech Director Joel Dator, as well as officials from recipient cooperatives and the local government units of Hamtic and Patnongon.