Sta. Cruz, Laguna's municipal local government unit unveiled its new Rice Processing System I (RPS 1), intended for its farmers and valued at Php 17,737,000, courtesy of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program.

The inauguration, attended by over 100 farmers on March 19, marked PHilMech's official turnover of the modern postharvest facility to the municipality.

This facility is a significant step toward reducing postharvest losses, increasing farmers' income, improving milled rice quality, and optimizing rice mechanization. It includes two mechanical dryers with 12 tons/operation capacity each and a 1.5-ton/hour multi-stage rice mill.

PHilMech FMFOD Chief Engr. May Ville B. Castro and Luzon C Cluster Head Engr. Niño D. Bengosta, alongside DA RFO IV-A Representative Engr. Joe Jana M. Baja, Provincial Agriculturist Marlon Tobias, Municipal Agriculturist Benedicta Tobias, Mayor Edgar S. San Luis, AGRI Partylist Representative Wilbert T. Lee, and other municipal leaders were present during the inauguration.