Science City of Muñoz Delegation Visits Isabela to Benchmark Rice Processing System

A delegation from the Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija, the country’s top rice-producing province, visited the Provincial Government of Isabela (PGI) on August 5 to benchmark its Rice Processing System (RPS) and explore best practices for improving their own local rice processing initiatives.

Led by OIC City Agriculturist Leonel P. Parugrug, the team observed the operations and management of the RPS facility in Ipil, Echague, which was established with support from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) and is recognized as a model of efficient postharvest processing.

The delegation also visited the rice mill of the Nagkaisang Magsasaka ng Isabela Agriculture Cooperative (NMIAC) in Cauayan City to gain insights into cooperative-led rice processing and observe its advanced facilities.

Prior to the site tour, Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Arlene A. Castillo provided an overview of the system’s manpower requirements and the operational strategies currently in place.

To provide a broader context for Isabela’s agro-industrial development, Assistant Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Lalaine C. Delmendo presented the province’s demographic profile, economic strengths, tourism potential, and agricultural productivity.

– Isabela PIO