For Wilma Alvester, a rice drying machine is more than steel and mechanics. It is a pathway to a brighter future for small-time farmers in her community.

Alvester, manager of the Western Tabuk Agricultural Cluster, received a circulating dryer worth PHP22 million from the Department of Agriculture- Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) during the 31st Kalinga Foundation anniversary on Feb. 13.

Her group also received PHP500,000 in Kadiwa store assistance.

The DA distributed PHP96.3 million in assistance, including irrigation systems, warehouses, hauling trucks and livelihood projects, to 1,852 farmers tilling 565.7 hectares.

“Improperly dried rice lowers the selling price per kilo of our produce but if they are properly dried, they can be sold at higher prices, giving us spare money for education needs of our children,” Alvester said in an interview.

She recalled that in 2025, weather disturbances and lack of sunshine forced them to sell rice at PHP9 per kilo — far below the PHP16 offered by the National Food Authority for quality grains, which they could not produce at the time.

“We had no choice but to sell to private buyers even at a losing price as keeping the grains will further cause deterioration,” she said.

The new dryer, which can process both rice and corn, ensures proper drying even during the rainy season, preserving quality and market value.

Alvester said this means stable income for farmers, allowing them to support their children’s education and basic needs.

“If they can finish their education, we can look forward to better lives in the future,” she said.

Kalinga is the Cordillera Administrative Region’s rice granary, producing commercial, highland and heirloom rice varieties. (PNA)