Capitol funds rice processing complex

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Provincial Government is now funding the construction of a P6-million rice processing complex in Barangay Salapungan, Candaba town.

The project is part of the agricultural support being provided to farmers by Governor Lilia Pineda.

The complex is now being constructed inside the compound of the municipal hall extension in the said locality.

Pineda, along with Mayor Jerry Pelayo and other local officials, led recently the groundbreaking ceremony to signify the start of the construction which is expected to be completed on the second quarter of 2013.

"Itong bagong development na ito ay kasama sa nine-year development agenda natin bilang mayor at nagawa natin sa tulong ng kapitolyo sa pangunguna ni Nanay Baby," Pelayo said.

The rice processing complex will contain a mechanical solar dryer, rice mill, warehouse, administrative offices and comfort rooms, Pelayo said.

Pelayo told Sun.Star Pampanga that the complex is a big help to farmers coming from eight barangays in the Kapampangan region.

He noted that almost 50 percent of the farm produce in the town come from these localities, and the establishment of the complex would strengthen the capability of the farmers to ensure the sufficiency of supply all throughout the year.

"Malaking bagay ito para sa ating mga magsasaka dahil ito lamang ang hindi binabaha sa buong Candaba. Yung ani ng mga magsasaka ay pwedi na nilang ilagay dito para masiguro na mayroon tayong sapat na supply," he said.

Pelayo claimed that the rice processing complex is designed to accommodate not less than 5,000 cavans of palay.