OneDA signs a MOA with CMU and LGU Maramag for the P56-M RPS in said town.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) and the DA-National Food Authority (NFA) in partnership with DA-Regional Field Office 10, signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the LGU of Maramag, Bukidnon, and the Central Mindanao University (CMU) on February 22, 2022, to mark the construction of a P56 million Rice Processing System 2 (RPS 2) in said town.

DA-PhilMech Director Baldwin G. Jallorina, Ph.D signed the MOA with DA-NFA-10 Regional Director Engr. John Robert Hermano, DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado, CMU President, Jesus Antonio G. Derije, Ph.D, DVM and Maramag Municipal Mayor, Atty. Jose Joel P. Doromal.

The said OneDA converged project is funded under the mechanization component of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), as provided under RA 11203 or the Rice Tarrification Law (RTL).

Being the funding agency, PhilMech appropriated the funds required for the RPS2 implementation, while the NFA provided the site needed for the project.

The LGU and CMU on the other hand shall jointly operate the RPS 2, with the technical assistance of the latter. Once completed the Rice Processing System will feature 1 unit of Multi-Stage Rice Mill and two units of Recirculating Dryer.

Director Collado said the facility is instrumental in improving the local rice farmers’ efficiency in terms of post-production and distribution system, reducing post-harvest losses, and maximizing the utilization of rice by-products.

“We thank PhilMech and NFA for the materialization of this project. We are hoping that more areas in Northern Mindanao will be provided with the RPS 2 in the future so we can further boost the region’s rice industry” he said.

He underscored this OneDA undertaking is material to the DA-10’s ultimate goal of attaining food security in the region. Construction and installation work for the RPS 2 shall commence this year and are expected to be fully operational before the end of 2023.#(ATalib)