By Leander C. Domingo

IN a landmark development that can boost the nation’s food security, the National Food Authority (NFA) broke ground on a cutting-edge, P800-million warehouse facility in Cauayan City, Isabela on Oct. 21, 2025.

This state-of-the-art Cauayan City Modern Warehouse project, backed by the Japanese government, promises to revolutionize how the country procures, stores and distributes palay (unmilled rice), directly uplifting local farmers and safeguarding national rice reserves.

NFA Regional Manager Julius Sugue emphasized tht the facility has a “farmer-centric” design.

This modern warehouse will offer a high-capacity mechanical dryer that reduces moisture levels instantly, preserving grain quality. It will have an advanced type of rice mill that ensures premium processing with minimal wastage, and outdoor silos and smart storage systems that maximize capacity while maintaining optimal conditions.

Furthermore, the facility will have a truck scale and power-generating set that streamlines logistics and ensures uninterrupted operations.

“This project is not just about building a warehouse — it’s about building a better future for our farmers and ensuring food security for all Filipinos,” Sugue said.

He added that the expected benefits of the project include direct palay procurement from farmers, allowing the NFA to buy. This can result in stable palay and rice prices and higher incomes; reduced post-harvest losses with advanced tech that slashes spoilage, meaning more rice reaches tables; and quality assurance where only premium-grade rice enters the national buffer stock.

The NFA has allocated an initial P146 million for the construction phase, covering key infrastructure such as the truck scale, power-generating set, and operational systems.

For its part, the government of Japan will provide the facility’s high-tech equipment, including dryers, rice mills, and outdoor silos.

Mayor Caesar Dy of Cauayan lauded the initiative, saying, “This warehouse will be a game-changer for our local economy and food producers.”

Farmer leaders like Virgillio Campo, chairman of the Agriculture and Fishery Council, echoed hope, saying, “It answers our plea to sell more harvests at fair prices — especially vital during rainy seasons.”

The government of Japan’s contribution of cutting-edge equipment underscores its zeal to collaborate for national food security.

“With these technologies, we’re not just storing rice — we are storing hope,” Sugue said, adding that construction is underway, with a similar groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Roxas in Isabela.

Once completed, the Cauayan warehouse will set a new benchmark for agricultural infrastructure, inspiring nationwide upgrades.

“This facility will allow us to better support our farmers, preserve the quality of our national rice reserves, and modernize how we store and process grains,” Sugue said, adding that “this is farm-to-table modernization in action.”

Published Date: October 30, 2025