June 4, 2025 — MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL
In a landmark initiative aimed at improving the livelihoods of local rice farmers, the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental has opened its first-ever government-operated rice processing facilities, offering free milling and drying services to all farmers in the province.
The two facilities are located in Barangay Santa Cruz, Tangub City, and Barangay Buenavista, Oroquieta City. These modern sites were developed under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and represent a major breakthrough for the province’s agricultural support services.
Each site is equipped with a 1.5-ton-per-hour rice mill and two mechanical dryers capable of handling 6 tons per batch, enhancing farmers’ ability to process their harvest efficiently while cutting down on post-harvest losses.
“This project reflects the power of collaboration between national and local governments,” said Governor Henry S. Oaminal during the launch ceremony. He credited the partnership with the Department of Agriculture and PHILMECH, as well as the funding support from the RCEF program under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
The provincial government donated the land and shouldered the construction cost of around ₱39.4 million per building, ensuring the facilities were fully funded without burdening local farmers.
The project is part of the province’s Asenso Rice Farmers Full Assistance Program, which aims to improve rice productivity and farmer incomes by reducing operational costs and improving access to modern processing technologies.
“With reduced expenses and improved yield, this effort contributes to both local economic growth and national food security,” Governor Oaminal noted. “As our farmers succeed, so does the province—and ultimately, the entire country.”
The initiative stems from Oaminal’s early commitment, made in response to longstanding appeals from rice farmers facing high milling costs and inadequate drying facilities. Less than a year later, Misamis Occidental is now the proud home of two fully operational government-owned processing centers—a first in its history.
This development aligns with the province’s Asenso Misamis Occidental agenda, promoting a future that is peaceful, progressive, and joyful (“Malinawon, Malambuon, ug Malipayon”).
By putting farmers at the center of rural development, the province sets a powerful example of responsive and sustainable governance.
