IPIL, Zamboang Sibugay – Alegre Rice & Corn Dealer & Rice Mill (ARCDRM), a local agribusiness in Titay town, has secured a total of ₱2,998,000.00 in funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The financial assistance, granted under DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), aims to help the company upgrade its facilities and enhance its production capacity.
The company recently received the first tranche of ₱1,799,600.00, followed shortly by the second and final tranche of ₱1,198,400.00. This funding was used to acquire a cutting-edge mechanical rice grain drying facility, expected to significantly improve the company’s operational efficiency and address production challenges, particularly during unpredictable weather and peak demand seasons.
Jennifer Pidor, Provincial S&T Director, DOST Sibugay , highlighted that the technology transfer under SETUP will support local businesses like ARCDRM in overcoming challenges brought about by fluctuating weather conditions and rising customer demand.
We hope this new technology will enable the company to meet customer needs year-round and improve productivity,” Pidor said.
Ms. Martina N. Alegre, owner of ARCDRM, expressed her excitement about the upgrade saying ,
Dako kaayo ang kausaban nga dala sa bag-ong sistema sa pagpauga,”( the drying system brings a huge change ) she said in Visayan.
“Kumpara sa daan nga solar ug mekanikal nga mga dryer, kini nga sistema magpadayon sa pagpauga bisan pa sa panahon sa ulan.”
(Compared to the old solar and mechanical dryers, this system will continue drying even during rainy weather.)
With the new 12-ton mechanical drying system, the rice mill expects to increase its drying capacity by 25%, from 90 to 120 bags per load, and boost productivity by at least 30%. The upgrade will also create additional jobs in the local community, further contributing to the area’s economic development.
Dako kaayo kini nga lakang para sa mga lokal nga negosyo sama namo, nga makatubag sa panginahanglan bisan pa sa tibuok tuig,”(this is a huge step for local businesses like ours, as it allows us to meet demand throughout the year. ) Alegre added, visibly moved.
Ang upgrade magahatag usab og bag-ong trabaho para sa lokal nga komunidad.”
(The upgrade will also provide new jobs for the local community)
Founded in 1980, Alegre Rice & Corn Dealer & Rice Mill has long been an integral part of the local economy. However, the company’s outdated drying facilities were struggling to meet growing demand, especially during critical weather conditions. With the new equipment,
ARCDRM is now positioned to improve its services and better serve its expanding customer base.
DOST’s SETUP program is a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through technological upgrades, process improvements, product development, and human resource training. (EDT/JPA /Zamboanga Sibugay)
