THE rice value chain in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) will be strengthened further with the establishment of the first rice processing center (RPC) in Barangay Lakambini, Tuao town in Cagayan province.
The project, valued at more than P185.32 million, is expected to increase farmers’ incomes, reduce postharvest losses, and deliver higher quality rice to the market.
An initiative of local government unit (LGU) of Tuao, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 2 (DA-RFO2) and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), the RPC will have the capacity to process up to 12 metric tons of palay (unmilled rice) per hour.
It will produce premium and second class milled rice, as well as by products such as rice bran, rice hull, and rice husk. The facility will include two mechanical dryers, a silo, and storage warehouses capable of holding thousands of sacks of rice, helping maintain quality and ensure a stable supply — especially during harvest season.
The project’s funding came from PhilMech with P64.7 million, covering a rice mill (P53.5 million), two 12-ton recirculating dryers (P8 million), and a 6-ton recirculating dryer (P3.2 million).
The DA-RFO2 contributed more than P78.32 million, of which P55 million is allocated for 2026 under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and the remainder for subsequent years.
The Tuao LGU contributed more than P42.30 million as its counterpart contribution.
The center will directly serve 725 hectares of rice fields, processing an estimated 3,600 metric tons of palay annually. Around 4,500 farmers from Tuao and neighboring towns are expected to benefit.
It will also act as a primary postharvest hub for farmers, wholesalers, and retailers in Tuao and nearby areas, including Tuguegarao City. The RPC can also cut postharvest losses from 5.8 percent to 1 percent and expand farmers’ access to premium rice markets.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Jan. 21, 2026, attended by Cagayan Gov. Edgar Aglipay, Vice Gov. Manuel Mamba, Mayor William Mamba, local farmers, and other government officials.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Mamba emphasized the importance of reliable postharvest facilities and their significant impact on livelihoods in Tuao.
For his part, Mamba highlighted the role of public servants as community inspirations and called for true heroes to drive meaningful change.
Aglipay also expressed gratitude to the DA and urged unity in implementing other programs that will strengthen the agricultural sector.
DA-RFO2 Executive Director Rose Mary Aquino said the project has been long planned and pursued in collaboration with the Tuao LGU.
“In response to the Department of Agriculture’s key strategies and initiatives, and to the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ goal of raising farmers’ livelihoods and incomes, our joint efforts have born fruit. This is just the first blessing; many more will follow,” Aquino said.
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