VICE GOVERNOR Julius Caesar Herrera assures that the government is pressing its foot on the ground to assure that Bohol’s rice production can be maximized and the savings would benefit the farmers right away.
After the groundbreaking ceremonies of the modern rice processing complex in a one hectare Pilar owned lot, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Agriculture Committee Chair underscored that the best legacy the government could leave its people is giving them the best value for all their efforts.
Herrera claimed that the establishment of the complex is expected to escalate some more domestic rice self-sufficiency especially when the complex is built in a very strategic rice producing town served by irrigation facilities as Malinao, Capayas and Bayongan dams.
The integrated rice processing complex would be equipped with state-of-the-art postharvest facilities providing services on training; continuous drying, storing and milling; purchasing of wet paddy rice and selling of high-quality milled rice, he explained.
The modern rice complex in Bohol is a clear indication of Capitol’s strong commitment and political will to streamline agricultural development here, he shared.
The complex would surely enhance efficiency in the post-production system through reduced post-harvest losses, enhanced quality of milled rice, improved distribution system, and maximized rice by-products.
The grant would include buildings, provision of equipment and machinery, dispatch of experts to provide technical advice on the implementation of the project, and technical and managerial training.
He also claimed that Boholanos are lucky to get one of the four, one of its kind integrated rice processing complexes in the country, and added the complex happens to one of the two established in the Visayas.
In Bohol, the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) brings down a grant of P125M forming the bigger bulk in the P148M Pilar complex.
The Philippine Government and KOICA shares in the funding three similar complexes in Santa Barbara Pangasinan, Pototan Inlo-ilo and Matanao in Davao del Sur, the Department of Agriculture through Grace Len Dagala said.
DA Secretary Arthur Yap personally came with Korean Ambassador Choi Joong-Kyung, Governor Aumentado and Mayor Pajo in the groundbreaking ceremonies along with Aggie bigwigs. (PIA)