The Provincial Government of Isabela (PGI) has made significant strides in rice production and processing with the establishment of the Isabela Rice Processing Center (IRPC). In 2023, responding to strong demand and the need to expand operations, PGI took a loan from Land Bank to procure palay and set up its own rice complex. This move marks the beginning of PGI’s active involvement in palay-buying and rice processing, allowing it to better serve local farmers.
The IRPC aims to further engage farmers, increasing participation in the program and expanding rice distribution to more communities. By ensuring more inclusive involvement, PGI is enhancing its support for local farmers and strengthening rice stock availability across the province.
P67-M Rice Processing System
The Provincial Government of Isabela (PGI) is a recipient of the Rice Processing System II (RPS II), valued at Php 67 million, provided under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech).
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspected the facility in Brgy. Ipil, Echague, Isabela, on March 6, 2025. Accompanying him were Governor Rodito T. Albano, Department of Agriculture (DA) officials led by Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., along with other agency heads and local officials.
The system aims to lower production costs by Php 2-3 per kilogram, reduce post-harvest losses by 3-5%, and increase value addition by 30%, thereby boosting the province’s rice milling capabilities.
The rice processing system includes a multi-stage rice mill, which can process 2-3 tons of palay per hour. This advanced mill is equipped with a pre-cleaner, de-stoner, huller, mist polisher, length grader, color sorter, blending tank, and an automatic packing machine for milled rice. It also features a rice hull bin, a dust collection system, and an air-conditioned control room.
The system also includes five recirculating dryers, each with a 12-ton per batch drying capacity, designed with stainless steel and dual heating systems. The dryers are also equipped with a generator set, tools, and other accessories.
Primarily focused on rice cultivation, the province is home to 70,556 farmers under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), who will directly benefit from the project. These farmers cultivate a total of 66,303 hectares of rice fields within the province.
