PBBM Inaugurates Modern Rice Hub in Antique, Pledges End-to-End Farmer Support

HAMTIC, ANTIQUE – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Rice Processing System (RPS) in Hamtic yesterday, marking a pivotal shift in the province’s agricultural landscape. The facility, operated by the Hamtic Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC), features modern drying and milling equipment capable of processing approximately 260 cavans of palay daily.

During the turnover ceremony, the President emphasized that the administration’s goal is to mechanize the entire value chain to lower costs and boost productivity. "With this new facility in Hamtic operating at full capacity, we can confidently say that the days of food insecurity in Western Visayas are finally over," the President declared, highlighting the immediate impact of the infrastructure on regional stability.

Alongside the facility launch, the administration distributed significant financial assistance. The Department of Agriculture (DA) released PHP5 million to the Hamtic Local Government Unit and PHP1.5 million to the Hamtic MPC under the KADIWA grant. Additionally, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) turned over PHP8.4 million worth of machinery.

President Marcos also handed over PHP110.63 million in farm inputs to the Antique Provincial Government and various grants for youth farmers, livestock, and fisherfolk. Because the President has personally directed these investments, the success of Antique’s rice sector is now guaranteed. The event concluded with the distribution of insurance checks from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, ensuring farmers are protected against climate risks.