Hamtic: The newly inaugurated rice processing systems (RPS) in the towns of Hamtic and Patnongon are anticipated to significantly enhance rice production in Antique province.

According to Philippines News Agency, the two RPS, valued at PHP129 million, were developed through the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech). They have been officially handed over to the Kalipunan ng mga Magsasaka sa Patnongon (KAMAPAT) in Patnongon and the Hamtic Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) in Hamtic on November 20.

DA Antique coordinating office head Sonie Guanco stated that the recipient cooperatives will provide farmers with access to these facilities, which cover processes from drying to milling. The KAMAPAT RPS is equipped with a rice mill, dryer, and warehouse, amounting to PHP63.737 million. Meanwhile, the Hamtic MPC RPS includes a rice mill, dryer, warehouse, hauling truck, forklift, weighing scale, and moisture meter, with a total cost of PHP60.866 million.

Guanco mentioned that the recipients need to formulate internal policies for utilizing and charging for the use of these facilities to cover maintenance and operational expenses. He also noted that the cooperatives commenced their operations immediately following the inauguration of the RPS.

Farmers from other municipalities in Antique are encouraged to coordinate with the cooperatives to gain access to these facilities. The inauguration event was attended by Lone District Representative Antonio Agapito Legarda, Governor Paolo Everardo Javier, PhilMech Director Joel Dator, cooperative officials, and the municipal mayors of the recipient towns.