MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – In a significant stride for the province’s agricultural future, Gov. Rogelio Neil P. Roque led the testing and commissioning of the ₱108,041,371.00 Bukidnon Provincial Grains Center in Barangay Sinabuagan, Valencia City, Bukidnon, on April 8, 2026

The event marked the unveiling of a modern and efficient facility poised to revitalize the local rice industry and strengthen the province’s agricultural production.

Deneb Joel Ganancial, head of the Provincial Agriculture and Biosystems Engineer Office, said in an April 14 interview that the grains center was established through a strong partnership between the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Bukidnon and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization under the Department of Agriculture’s Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Mechanization Program.

Ganancial said PhilMech granted the PLGU a total of ₱59,541,371.00—₱55,718,671.00 for a rice mill with a capacity of 2–3 tons per hour, and ₱3,822,700.00 for four units of recirculating or mechanical dryers, each capable of handling 6 tons per batch.

“For its counterpart, the PLGU allocated ₱40 million for building construction and ₱8.5 million for the acquisition of a five-hectare site, bringing the total project cost to ₱108,041,371.00,” he said.

He added that the grains center can process 2.5 to 3 tons over eight hours of daily operation, with the capacity to exceed this during peak periods.

“Beyond the facility, additional funding was provided by the PLGU and implemented through the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), including the concreting of a one-kilometer access road—Phase I covering 300 meters of a two-lane road with a ₱10 million budget—as well as an ongoing ₱2.5 million water system project and the construction of a perimeter fence,” Ganancial said.

He emphasized the need for additional funding to undertake complementary projects essential to the efficient operation of the grain facility.

He also noted that an ordinance from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bukidnon is being awaited to serve as the operational guide for the facility, which will be managed by the PLGU through the Provincial Economic Enterprises Development and Management Office (PEEDMO).

According to the Public Affairs, Information and Assistance (PAIA) Division of the Provincial Governor’s Office, Roque personally inspected the facility during a recent plant visit to ensure its readiness for full operations.

The grains center aims to reduce post-harvest losses—particularly in drying and milling—while providing farmers with fair and competitive prices. It is also expected to improve product quality and increase incomes in the agricultural sector.

Equipped with modern technology, the facility features a rice mill with a 2–3 tons per hour input capacity, four mechanical dryers with a 6-ton batch capacity, a mist polisher, length grader, color sorter, and other post-harvest equipment.

The center is expected to strengthen the rice industry in Bukidnon and create more opportunities for farmers across the province.

Roque led the project’s groundbreaking ceremony on February 19, 2024—an initiative that has now come to fruition.

Two years later, the project stands completed through the efforts of the Provincial Agriculture and Biosystems Engineer Office, bringing renewed hope to the province’s agricultural future. (melbmadera)

Gov. Rogelio Neil P. Roque leads the testing and commissioning of Bukidnon Provincial Grains Center. (PAIA Bukidnon)