BARUGO, Leyte — Rice farmers from this town and nearby municipalities are expected to gain better income opportunities and improved market access following the turnover of a P50-million Rice Processing Center (RPC) by the Department of Agriculture Regional Office 8.
The facility, located in Barangay Pikas, was formally handed over on May 15 to the Cuta Multipurpose Cooperative under the government’s National Rice Program 2023.
Agriculture officials said the project is designed to improve local rice production by modernizing drying and milling operations, reducing post-harvest losses, and lowering transportation costs for farmers in the area.
The newly established RPC is equipped with a six-ton-per-batch mechanical dryer and a rice mill capable of processing 1.8 tons of rice per hour. It also includes a building facility intended to support efficient rice handling and storage operations.
Officials said the center is expected to help farmers secure more competitive buying prices for palay while reducing dependence on traders outside the municipality.
During the turnover ceremony, Inocentes Aruta said the facility has already influenced rice trading activities in Barugo and neighboring towns, noting an increase in local palay buying prices due to improved marketing opportunities for farmers.
Meanwhile, Rodel Macapañas, DA regional executive director, emphasized the importance of cooperatives in protecting farmers from unfair trading practices and price manipulation while helping stabilize food supply in Eastern Visayas.
The turnover of the rice processing center forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to modernize the agriculture sector and strengthen the rice value chain across Eastern Visayas.
(ROCHELLE T. MORILLA, LNU Student Intern)
