KOICA turns over P200-M Iloilo rice processing complex

MANILA, Philippines - The Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has turned over the P200 million rice processing complex (RPC) infrastructure grant in Iloilo to a farmers cooperative, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced over the weekend.

The KOICA-RPC management board has transferred the management and operation of the rice processing complex to the Pototan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PFMPC).

The rice processing complex situated in Brgy. Amamaros, Pototan was built in April 2012 to improve the efficiency of the post-production system of the farmers in the municipality.

“This Iloilo RPC, owned by DA, Iloilo provincial government, and municipality of Pototan, has been producing quality milled rice, reducing post-harvest losses, improving rice distribution system, and maximizing the use of rice by-products,” said DA Region 6 executive director Larry P. Nacionales.

To date, there are four KOICA-funded integrated rice processing centers nationwide. The other three are situated in Pangasinan, Bohol and Davao del Sur.

The DA said members of the PFMPC have received training on management and operations to sustain the functions of the RPC.

The PFMPC, organized in 1969, has 4, 180 members to date. It engages in the trade of rice and farm inputs as well as farm service provision. It also operates a grocery store along with lumber and hardware enterprises.

The cooperative has a total asset of   P49.02 million and has provided a P2 million equity for the operations of the KOICA-supported RPC.