MONKAYO, Davao de Oro — The province of Davao de Oro marked another milestone in agricultural development as Governor Raul Mabanglo led the inauguration of the Rice Processing System 1 (RPS 1) at the Davao de Oro Farm in Barangay Pasian, Monkayo, officially opening the long-awaited facility for public use.
The RPS 1 is a flagship project of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). Although the system had been installed at the farm for some time, it was only recently made operational under Governor Mabanglo’s initiative to help increase the productivity and income of local rice farmers.
A farmer who witnessed the inauguration expressed gratitude for the project, sharing that the new system has significantly improved the volume and quality of milled rice, enabling him to sell more palay and earn higher returns.
The newly operational Rice Processing System includes a state-of-the-art multi-stage rice mill capable of processing 1 to 3 tons of rice per hour. It features advanced components such as a pre-cleaner, de-stoner, huller, mist polisher, length grader, color sorter, blending tank, rice hull bin, and dust collection bin — all amounting to ₱11.05 million in total cost.
The facility is also equipped with two recirculating dryers, each with a 6-ton drying capacity, made of stainless steel and complete with heating systems, a generator set, tools, and other accessories worth ₱6.3 million.
Beyond the processing facility, the province also distributed 255 units of farm machinery and equipment — including tractors, combine harvesters, rice mills, and additional dryers — to 124 Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs). These interventions are expected to enhance farm productivity, reduce postharvest losses, and ensure higher profitability for the farmers.
During the ceremony, a Marketing Agreement was also signed between the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro and the Compostela Valley Irrigators Producers Cooperative (CVIPCO). Under this agreement, the provincial government will purchase rice directly from the cooperative to help sustain local food sufficiency while providing farmers with a stable market and better income opportunities.
Governor Mabanglo emphasized that the full operation of RPS 1 symbolizes the province’s continued commitment to empowering its farmers and strengthening its position as one of Mindanao’s agricultural powerhouses.
“This is more than just machinery — it’s a long-term investment in the lives of our farmers,” Mabanglo said. “Through innovation and collaboration, we are ensuring that Davao de Oro’s agriculture remains competitive, sustainable, and inclusive.”
With the RPS 1 now operational, Davao de Oro’s farmers look forward to a more productive and profitable future — one grain of rice at a time.