Cabanatuan City rice processing facilities inaugurated to aid farmers

The Department of Agriculture has inaugurated two new rice processing facilities in Barangay Macatbong, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. Funded through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program, the ₱74.4-million investment is designed to modernize rice farming and reduce production costs.

The facilities feature a multi-stage rice mill capable of processing 4 to 5 tons of palay per hour, alongside three recirculating dryers that can handle 12 tons per batch. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that these systems can increase rice recovery rates from approximately 57–58 percent to as high as 63–65 percent, potentially increasing farmer income by providing more milled rice for sale.

Over 4,000 farmers cultivating approximately 8,976 hectares of rice land in the area are expected to benefit from easier access to modern drying and milling equipment. The facilities have been turned over to the Cabanatuan City government for oversight, with management coordinated through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech).