P129M rice processing hubs fired up in Antique, Promise big boost for farmers

ILOILO CITY—Two newly inaugurated rice processing systems (RPS) in the towns of Hamtic and Patnongon have begun full operations, giving farmers long-awaited access to modern postharvest facilities expected to lift rice production across the province.

The facilities, worth a combined P129 million and developed under the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech), were formally turned over on November 20 to the Kalipunan ng mga Magsasaka sa Patnongon (KAMAPAT) and the Hamtic Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC).

DA Antique coordinating office head Sonie Guanco said the multi cooperatives immediately activated their operations right after the turnover. She emphasized that farmers can now rely on these centers for drying and milling services, streamlining a process that previously required traveling to other towns. Guanco added that both cooperatives are crafting internal policies, including corresponding usage fees, to sustain maintenance and operations.

The RPS in Patnongon, managed by KAMAPAT, is equipped with a rice mill, dryer, and warehouse, and is valued at P63.737 million. Meanwhile, the Hamtic MPC facility is a larger package worth P60.866 million and includes a rice mill, dryer, warehouse, a hauling truck, a forklift, a weighing scale, and a moisture meter—creating a more comprehensive service hub for farmers.

Guanco said the facilities will not only serve farmers in the host towns but also those from other municipalities who may coordinate with the cooperatives for access, widening the project’s impact on local agriculture.

The inauguration was led by Lone District Rep. Antonio Agapito Legarda, Governor Paolo Everardo Javier, PhilMech Director Joel Dator, local officials, and the mayors of the beneficiary municipalities.