A newly inaugurated PHP50-million Rice Processing Center (RPC) in Barugo, Leyte, is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve farmers’ bargaining power, and increase agricultural income for rice growers, the Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office said on Monday.

Funded under the National Rice Program 2023, the facility was formally turned over on May 15, 2026, to the Cuta Multipurpose Cooperative.

The RPC is equipped with a six-ton-per-batch mechanical dryer and a rice mill capable of processing 1.8 tons per hour. It also includes a dedicated building component designed to support efficient post-harvest handling and rice processing operations.

DA Eastern Visayas Regional Executive Director Rodel Macapañas, in his message, recognized the vital role of the Cuta Multipurpose Cooperative in improving farmers’ profitability and market access while helping address exploitative trading practices and price manipulation.

“The facility will help improve grain quality and processing efficiency while significantly cutting transportation costs for farmers and small-scale rice traders, allowing them to market their produce more efficiently and at lower operational expense,” Macapañas said in a statement.

He also challenged the cooperative to become one of the region’s key contributors to food stabilization efforts.

The RPC forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to modernize the agriculture sector, strengthen farmer cooperatives, and improve the efficiency of the rice value chain across Eastern Visayas.

Cuta Multipurpose Cooperative chief executive officer Inocentes Aruta said the establishment of the center has increased the buying price of palay (unhusked rice) in Barugo and nearby towns. (PNA)