DUMALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur (April 24) — As global shocks—from fuel price spikes to supply chain disruptions—continue to pressure food systems, a farming town in Zamboanga del Sur is betting on technology to secure its rice future.
A ₱67-million Rice Processing System II has been officially turned over to the Timber Mines Multi-Purpose Cooperative, marking a significant upgrade in how rice is processed, dried, and brought to market in the province.
Funded through the government’s Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), the facility was delivered by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization under the Department of Agriculture’s mechanization drive—part of a broader push to shield local food production from global volatility.
At the heart of the new hub is a multi-stage rice mill capable of processing up to three tons per hour, paired with four recirculating dryers that can handle six tons per batch. The system is designed to cut postharvest losses, improve grain quality, and speed up processing, long-standing pain points for rice farmers.
For the more than 2,000 farmer-members of TIMMULCO—who cultivate over 7,400 hectares across Zamboanga del Sur—the upgrade replaces aging equipment that often led to delays, spoilage, and reduced earnings.
The impact is immediate and tangible:
- ₱2 to ₱3 savings per kilogram in production costs
- Up to 5% reduction in postharvest losses
- Better-quality rice that commands stronger market prices
