Governor Ann Hofer inaugurates ₱140M rice facility in Ipil to boost farm-to-market links, support farmers, and lower rice prices in Sibugay. (Image: Facebook/ Governor Ann K. Hofer)
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – A new ₱140-million rice processing facility was inaugurated in Suclema, Ipil on April 15, 2026, in a move the provincial government says will strengthen farm-to-market linkages and improve farmers’ incomes.
Governor Ann K. Hofer led the inauguration of the Rice Processing System II. She was joined by Department of Agriculture Rice Industry Development Undersecretary Christopher V. Morales; Vice Governor Richard Olegario; PhilMech Director Dionisio Alvindia; DA Region IX Technical Director Melba Wee; members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan; and Ipil Mayor Ramses Troy Olegario.
Long-standing inequalities in the rice sector
The facility is built under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Mechanization Program of the Department of Agriculture and PhilMech. It is equipped with two recirculating mechanical dryers and a rice mill intended to improve post-harvest handling and reduce losses.
Hofer said the project is part of the province’s effort to address long-standing inequalities in the rice sector. The farmers in the province often receive the lowest share of value in the production chain.
‘This facility is our response’
“For too long, our farmers have worked tirelessly yet earned the least. This facility is our response—to give them a stronger role in the value chain and ensure that the fruits of their labor truly benefit them,” she said.
The provincial government invested about ₱75 million in the facility. It also allocated an additional ₱65 million as working capital to allow direct procurement of palay from farmers in Titay, Kabasalan, Siay, Imelda, Diplahan, and Alicia at prices at least ₱2 higher than prevailing market rates, officials said.
Rice produced in the facility will be sold at ₱4 to ₱5. It is less than the prevailing market prices through Kadiwa ng Pangulo and other government distribution channels. The pricing level aims to make staple food more affordable while stabilizing supply.
The program, according to officials, aligns with ongoing nutrition efforts. There are 2,500 households with undernourished preschool children and 15,759 severely wasted and wasted schoolchildren in the province,
Hofer reaffirmed her commitment to continue investing in agricultural infrastructure and farmer support systems. The goal is to ensure that rural communities are not left behind in development, she said.
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