DA PhilMech turns over P18.51M rice processing system to Pastrana

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) has turned over the P18.51-million Rice Processing System 1 (RPS 1) to the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Pastrana in Leyte on 7 October 2026.

According to PhilMech, the said RPS1 is situated at Barangay Jones and is under the RCEF Mechanization Program that aims to improve the production and post-harvest operations of the farmers of the municipality.

The RPS1 is a state-of-the-art multi-stage rice mill that has a capacity of 1.5-ton per hour valued at P11.69-million. The RPS1 has a pre-cleaner, de-stoner, huller, mist polisher, length grader, color sorter, blending tank, automatic packing machine for milled rice, rice hull bin, and dust collection system.

Also included in the facility are two recirculating dryers, with a capacity of 6 tons per batch, which are made from stainless steel, and includes two heating system, generator set, equipment and other accessories. The two dryers are valued at P6.82 million.

The MLGU Pastrana was chosen due to its agricultural sector's focus on rice production, and has 1,757 hectares of rice fields toiled by 1,282 farmers who would directly benefit from the said project.