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 joins Rice Fiesta
by Precious Mae C. Gabato (November 23, 2018)
To promote rice mechanization, PHilMech showcased newly-developed machines for rice during the Rice Fiesta at PhilRice Nueva Ecija last November 12.

PHilMech demonstrated the Impeller Rice Mill and the Grain Probe Moisture Meter at the FutureRice Farm.

Moreover, Dr. Michael Gragasin discussed the developed pre- and postharvest technologies of PHilMech during the PalayTalakayan (TechForum).

Sponsored by the Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC), the two-day festivity aimed to encourage farmers and other people who play key roles in rice production to adopt new rice farming technologies in Central Luzon.

PhilRice Deputy Executive Director (Administrative Services and Finance) Abner Montecalvo keynoted the event on behalf of PhilRice Executive Director Sailila E. Abdula.

“Naniniwala ako na ito ay hudyat at simbolo ng inyong pagnanais na bigyang diin ang kahalagahan ng palay at bigas sa ating buhay-¬¬ bilang indibidwal, bilang rehiyon dito sa Gitang Luzon, at bilang isang bansa. (I believe this is a sign and symbol for your aspiration to give emphasis to the importance of rice in our lives- as individuals, as a region, and as a country),” he said.

He also emphasized the vital role of rice mechanization in enhancing sustainable food production and food self-sufficiency.

“Recently, we just launched our slogan, ‘Quality rice, quality life,’ to further improve our rice science and technology, to achieve our most elusive grain for rice self-sufficiency,” said Dr. Montecalvo.

“This is the calling that we should not turn our backs to... to respond to this global call is our ultimate bearing fruit,” he added.

From the performances of Joey Ayala, Bungkos Palay Dance Company and CLSU Maestro singers to activities such as PalarongPalay, on-the-spot poster making contest, rice food art, and rice-inspired fashion show, the event was filled with celebration and dedication to Filipino farmers.