Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Philippine Center for Postharvest
Development and Mechanization
CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

NEWS STORIES

PHilMech empowers FCAs with comprehensive rice processing skills training
by Vina D. Pallar (June 14, 2024)
The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization through its Technology Management and Training Division (TMTD) recently conducted a comprehensive five-day Skills Training on the Operation and Maintenance of Rice Processing Systems (RPS) on June 10-14, 2024. at Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija, attended by 39 FCA members from various parts of the province.

This initiative is part of PHilMech's ongoing efforts to enhance the proficiency and technical know-how of RPS recipient, aiming to boost productivity and efficiency in rice production.

“Kami sa PHilMech ay hindi lang nagbibigay ng makinarya, isa sa dahilan bakit [nagkakaroon ng] training ay [upang] siguraduhin ng [aming] ahensya na [ang] inyong (RPS recipient) matatanggap na makinarya ay alagaan at gamitin ng maayos (We are not only distributing machinery, but also offer training course to ensure that the beneficiaries will understand the proper way of utilization and maintenance of the machinery)," Mario Pascua, Science Research Specialist II, said during the event.

Adalyn Padiernos, Assistant General Manager of South Nueva Ecija Seed Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative shared that, “Um-attend ako sa training na ito para matuto sa paggamit ng makabagong makinarya kagaya ng RPS at paggamit ng dryer, dahil makikita at magagamit namin nang aktuwal ang mga makinarya. Malaking tulong ito sa aming kooperatiba para tumaas ang aming kita at mapangalagaan ng tama ang binigay sa amin (I attended this training to enhance my knowledge on how to utilize new machinery like RPS and dryer, because we can actually see and operate the machine. It is beneficial because it can help us boost our income and properly maintain the equipment).”

The sessions covered various aspects of rice processing, including the operation of modern machinery, troubleshooting common issues, and routine maintenance practices. Expert trainers from TMTD, National Food Authority (NFA), Mecaphil Corporation, and P.I Farm Products Inc. guided the participants through each module, ensuring that they gained a thorough understanding of both the technical and practical aspects of the rice processing systems.

This skills training course emphasized the importance of such educational programs in fostering sustainable agricultural practices and improving the livelihood of farmers.