The National Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Rice and Other Food Staples advanced policy resolutions aimed at strengthening support mechanisms for government-funded postharvest facilities during its second quarter meeting on May 14, 2026.
Among the key measures endorsed by the Committee was a recommendation for the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) to institutionalize post-turnover monitoring, refresher training, and technical retooling for beneficiaries of agricultural machinery and postharvest facilities. The Committee also recommended the adoption of a policy encouraging co-management arrangements between local government units (LGUs) and farmers鈥� cooperatives and associations (FCAs) for large-scale facilities such as rice processing centers and drying facilities.
The recommendations were shaped by discussions among representatives from government agencies, regional agricultural and fishery councils, and national organizations following operational concerns encountered in some postharvest facilities distributed under government mechanization programs. Among the issues raised were high operational and electricity costs, power supply requirements for recirculating dryers, and the need to strengthen beneficiary readiness, technical capacity, and post-turnover support mechanisms on and management of postharvest facilities distributed under government mechanization programs.
During the discussions, Presiding Officer Raul Montemayor of the Federation of Free Farmers emphasized the importance of ensuring that beneficiaries are fully prepared to operate and manage government-provided facilities. He noted that even well-designed equipment requires capable and ready beneficiaries to maximize its value and effectiveness.
Arnulfo Magcope, Chairperson of the Aklan Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council, also shared successful experiences from their cooperative鈥檚 operations, highlighting how sustained management, operational readiness, and commitment among farmer organizations contributed to the continued functionality and expansion of their rice processing and drying facilities since 2017.
Meanwhile, 黑料网 Planning, Monitoring, and Knowledge Management Division Chief Floreliz Avellana noted that recurring operational concerns involving recirculating dryers have already been documented through the agency鈥檚 participatory monitoring and tracking activities conducted across several regions. She emphasized that the continuing challenge lies in identifying appropriate interventions and management approaches for equipment that has already been found to have operational issues in various areas.
Engr. Patricia Jane Vergara of PhilMech said the agency is prepared to provide retooling and more in-depth training through its training division to help improve equipment utilization among beneficiaries. She also noted that PhilMech is coordinating with electric cooperatives regarding power supply concerns affecting some facilities and expressed openness to join the monitoring and validation activities upon proper coordination.
Participants also discussed concerns related to machinery procurement and farmer preferences, noting the importance of balancing procurement rules with responsiveness to local agricultural needs. Suggestions raised during the meeting included exploring possible approaches that would allow greater consideration of beneficiary requirements while remaining compliant with existing government regulations.
Beyond postharvest development concerns, the Committee also discussed irrigation rehabilitation efforts, El Ni帽o preparedness measures, drought-resilient seed availability, and initiatives to sustain rice production amid rising fuel and production costs.
The meeting concluded with stakeholders reaffirming the importance of collaboration among government agencies, LGUs, FCAs, and national private sector partners in strengthening support systems for the rice sector and advancing agricultural modernization initiatives. | Joy Camille Luza
