Bohol is leaving no stone unturned in highlighting the opening of the biggest Rice Processing Complex in Pilar town on December 10. Located in the heartland of Bohol’s rice granaries, the P162M project is implemented under a partnership with Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Provincial Government of Bohol, and the Local Government Unit of Pilar. Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Hyuk is expected to grace the inauguration rites. He will be joined by DA top officials led by Sec. Proceso Alcala and KOICA representative to the Philippines Kim Jinoh. Gov. Edgar M. Chatto along with Provincial Board Members Abeleon Damalerio and Dionisio Balite, DA Regional Director Angel Enriquez, BAPC head Eugene Cahiles, and Pilar Mayor Wilson Pajo met at the project site on Wednesday in a final briefing in preparation for the opening of the complex. Also present during the meeting were project stakeholders from the Project Steering Committee, National Agri-Business Corporation (NABCOR), other concerned national agencies such as the Department of Agrarian Reform, National Food Authority, among others, and representatives from farmer organizations.

The Rice Processing Complex in Pilar is the third center to be opened among four locations in the country. Rice processing complexes have been constructed in Pangasinan and Iloilo while opening after Bohol will be Davao del Sur. Chatto said the business enterprise project complements the rice industry in the province, producing a Boholano brand of rice, thereby strengthening Bohol’s mark as the rice bowl of the region. The governor also underscored the significance of the active involvement of farmer organizations not only as the main source of rice grains but also in the management of the rice processing complex. The rice processing complex aims to increase the income of farmer beneficiaries by improving the efficiency of their post production system through its modern and integrated facilities and equipment. The project is expected to produce quality milled rice; reduce postharvest losses; improve the rice distribution system; and maximize the utilization of rice by-products. After the final briefing, Cahiles guided the coordination group to experience firsthand the processes inside the complex. KOICA representatives had earlier visited the project site for a final inspection and evaluation of the performance system of the rice processing complex. (Leah/EDCOM)