QUEZON CITY -- The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization demonstrated the features of its brown rice impeller micro-mill (BRIMM) in Dipaculao, Aurora last October 21, 2021. Thirty farmers including the technology cooperator members attended the technology demonstration.
Dr. Michael Gragasin, PHilMech Scientist I, as lead of the activity, emphasized the efficiency of BRIMM with its 70 percent milling recovery. “Pangarap namin sa PHilMech na mabigyan ang bawat baryo ng isang unit ng BRIMM…Ito ay hindi lamang ma-ipromote ang pagkain ng brown rice kundi mabigyan ng dagdag pagkakakitaan ang mga maliliit ng magsasaka dahil sa 70 percent milling recovery nito,” he said.
For Aurora, the Provincial Rice Program Coordinator Melinda Bisarra acknowledged the overflowing support of the national agencies like DA-PHilMech to the farmers. “Sa kabila ng pandemic ay tuloy tuloy ang dagsa ng mga programang katulad nito na nakatutulong sa ating mga magsasaka,” she noted.
For Barangay Mocdul, Dipaculao, Aurora, Barangay Chair Sonny Nodoy gladly welcomed the guests and participants, and said, “Malaking tulong ang mga ganitong klaseng aktibidad ng gobyerno upang matulungan ang ating magsasaka.”
Danilo Campanilla of Calaocan Upland Farmers Association shared his experiences and best practices in using the BRIMM. Upland Farmers Association is the first cooperator in Aurora to receive the technology for testing purposes.
During the open forum, the participants urged PHilMech through Dr. Gragasin to immediately distribute the technology.
“Madaling gamitin at episyente dahil mataas ang milling recovery nito” Rigalado Marzan of Bukang Liwayway FA said.
Moreover, Mary Epay of Farmers Association of Immigrant Indigenous People, described the technology as very convenient technology. She commended the technology as gender-friendly. “Hindi na hihintayin si mister para gamitin ang technology na ito. Kayang kaya na nating kababaihan sa pagkono dahil napakagaan at napakadaling gamitin” she said. “Kayang kaya ng mga kababaihang ioperate ang makinaryang ito,” she added.
During the techno demonstration, Engr. John Rey Cargamento of PHiMech served as technical staff for the specifications, parts, operation and maintenance of the technology. (JTPaulo / DA-PHilMech)
