NARRA, Palawan — The Department of Agriculture handed over a P67.63-million rice processing system to the municipal government of Narra, Palawan, aiming to strengthen the province’s role as both a key food-producing area and a tourist destination.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. led the turnover ceremony in Barangay Antipuluan, highlighting the importance of investing in postharvest infrastructure in geographically isolated but agriculturally vital provinces.

“This is how we win back our edge in rice,” Tiu Laurel said. “We don’t just increase production, we make every kilo count by cutting losses, lowering costs, and ensuring farmers capture more value.”

He added, “If we are serious about food security, then investments like this must reach places like Palawan, where the potential is high but logistics have long been a constraint.”

Completed in October 2025, the project was funded under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program and implemented by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization. The facility includes a multi-stage rice mill capable of processing up to 3 tons per hour and four recirculating dryers with 6-ton per batch capacity, designed to minimize postharvest losses. The rice mill can operate 16–20 hours per day, while each dryer takes up to 12 hours per batch.

Narra, often called Palawan’s rice granary, has over 5,500 rice farmers cultivating more than 12,000 hectares. The new system is expected to reduce production costs by as much as P3 per kilogram and cut postharvest losses by up to 5 percent, boosting local rice supply stability.

Palawan’s dual role as a top tourism destination and rice producer underscores the importance of such infrastructure. Strengthening local production could help stabilize prices, reduce dependence on shipments from mainland Luzon, and cushion the province against supply disruptions and rising transport costs.

The modernization aligns with the amended Rice Tariffication Law, which extended RCEF funding through 2031 and tripled its annual allocation to P30 billion to support rice farmers’ competitiveness. By combining mechanization with postharvest systems, the DA seeks to enhance efficiency along the entire rice value chain.

Officials say the new facility represents more than just machinery for Narra’s farmers; it reflects a move toward a more resilient, market-oriented rice sector in a province better known for its beaches than its fields.