In support to the Provincial Government of Bohol’s (PGBh) agenda of further developing the province’s agricultural industry, Vice Governor Rene Relampagos, together with the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawiga (SP), passed a resolution on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, to aspire for an even bigger Rice Processing Center (PRC) with the Department of Agriculture‘s (DA) Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHILMECH).
Relampagos, during the SP’s regular session, brought up the request of Gov. Arthur Yap to the PHILMECH to apply for postharvest facilities known as RPC under the Rice Mechanization Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RMCEF) – Mechanization Component.
Dr. Larry Pamugas, Assistant Provincial Agriculturist was present during the Pre-Session Meeting to shed light on the said item under the Presiding Officer’s Time.
The said resolution will help the Province of Bohol secure a P120 million grant from the DA for the Rice Processing System II which includes a rice mill, rice sorter, palay dryers, and a silo.
As a counterpart, the PGBh will need to provide a building for the said agricultural machineries and postharvest facilities.
The Bohol Organic Technology Center, a property of the PGBh in Gabi, Ubay, is eyed to house the facility.
The said RPC will be the second of its kind for Bohol following the one found in Pilar town.
Last week, the SP also passed a resolution establishing the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) in Bohol.
In a separate statement, Relampagos reaffirmed the SP commitment to supporting the agricultural development initiatives of the PGBh.
“The Sangguniang Panlalawigan remains true to its promise of cultivating and further enriching the Boholano agriculture industry. We are capitalizing on the expressed support of the DA Secretary (William) Dar during his visit here in Bohol and as such, we are fervent and steadfast in supporting the efforts of Governor Art Yap in developing agriculture into one of our key industries.”
Relampagos hopes that the earnest support of the august body on fishery and agriculture initiatives helps to increase livelihood opportunities, ensure food security, and improve the state of living of Boholanos, especially in agriculture-reliant municipalities.
