The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) has turned over a rice processing facility to a farmer’s cooperative at Barangay Alinunu in the town of Abulug, Cagayan on 18 February 2026.

According to PhilMech, the Rice Processing System (RPS) 2 was donated via the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program to the Pagsanggiran ti Mannalon Multi-purpose Cooperative.

The RPS2 has a value of P63.8 million, including a multi-stage rice mill with two to three tons milling capacity per hour, and two recirculating dryers with a 12-ton drying capacity per batch. The facility and equipment are expected to boost the harvest and livelihood of farmers in the area.

The DA-Regional Field Office II, Municipal Local Government Unit of Abulug, and other officials from the Department of Agriculture and Land Bank of the Philippines were present during the turnover ceremony.

Meanwhile, 25 members of farmers’ cooperatives and associations, as well as local government employees from Region 3 and CALABARZON, took part in the two-day training for mechanized rice farming that started on 18 February 2026.

Beneficiaries from the RCEF Mechanization Program participated in the event, which aims to enhance their knowledge and skills during lectures and hands-on training on proper operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of machinery.

The PhilMech Technology Management and Training Division led the training, in coordination with the Facility Management and Field Operations Division, Agri Component Corporation, and the Villar SIPAG Foundation.