SURIGAO CITY — Surigao City is moving closer to establishing a modern rice processing facility following the successful Final On-Site Field Validation conducted by the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) Central Office for the proposed PHP220-million Rice Processing System II (RPS II). The assessment examined the city's readiness, operational capacity, and institutional capability to manage and sustain the facility. The validation marks a significant step toward strengthening Surigao City's rice industry through improved postharvest infrastructure and modern processing technology.
Modern Technology for Better Rice Processing
The proposed RPS II is designed to integrate multi-stage rice milling with recirculating dryers, providing a more efficient system for processing palay while helping minimize postharvest losses and improve the quality of milled rice. The facility addresses an important need in Surigao City, where rice production reached 11,908.50 metric tons in 2022 from 3,302 hectares of harvested area. Many farmers continue to depend on conventional milling methods that can contribute to grain damage and lower recovery rates. With the RPS II, milling recovery could reach up to 65 percent, while production costs are expected to decrease by at least PHP2 per kilogram. Reduced postharvest losses and improved processing efficiency could help strengthen the competitiveness of locally produced rice while supporting the city's food security and agricultural modernization efforts.
Creating Opportunities for Farmers and Agri-Entrepreneurs
For Surigao City's 1,904 rice farmers, access to modern drying and milling services could provide opportunities to improve the quality and value of their harvests. More efficient processing may help farmers reduce their dependence on intermediaries and potentially command better prices for higher-quality rice. The facility could also create opportunities for local businesses and agri-entrepreneurs to engage in related value-adding activities such as rice trading, packaging, and distribution. These opportunities are particularly relevant as the agricultural sector continues to address challenges involving productivity and the adoption of modern farming and postharvest practices.
Building a More Connected Agricultural Value Chain
The proposed RPS II also complements other infrastructure investments intended to improve the movement of agricultural products. Among these is the PHP365.9-million farm-to-market road project, which is expected to reduce hauling costs by more than 26 percent and shorten travel time from 43.5 minutes to just over 10 minutes. Together, improved road access and modern rice processing facilities can strengthen the connection between farms, processing centers, markets, and consumers. As Surigao City advances toward the establishment of the RPS II, the project represents another step in developing a more efficient agricultural value chain, one that can support farmers, encourage local enterprise, improve market access, and contribute to the city's long-term agricultural and economic development.
