DA: New mill to boost Quezon's agricultural sector

By Nimfa Estrellado Sariaya, Quezon became home to the largest flour mill in the Philippines on November 29, marking a major development for...

By Nimfa Estrellado

Sariaya, Quezon became home to the largest flour mill in the Philippines on November 29, marking a major development for the nation's food production capabilities. (Photo from PBBM/FB)

SARIAYA, Quezon – A new flour mill, hailed as the largest in the Philippines, has been inaugurated in Sariaya. This state-of-the-art facility, established by Universal Robina Corp. (URC), promises to significantly boost Quezon province's agricultural sector and enhance national food security.

Spanning 10 hectares in Barangay Talaan, the mill boasts a massive daily production capacity of 3,500 metric tons. This impressive output positions the URC mill as a key driver in increasing domestic flour production and reducing reliance on imports.



In line with this, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced on November 29 that this increased production will help stabilize flour prices. Furthermore, it will create new opportunities for local farmers by providing a reliable market for their wheat crops. This, in turn, is expected to have a ripple effect, benefiting both crop producers and livestock farmers.

Laurel believes this development has the potential to establish Quezon as a major flour producer in the Philippines, contributing to the growth and self-sufficiency of the nation's agricultural sector. This aligns with the government's broader efforts to bolster domestic food production and reduce reliance on imports.

To this end, the secretary of agriculture lauded the initiative, emphasizing the mill's role in strengthening the nation's food security and its positive impact on Quezon's agricultural economy. "This facility will ensure access to high-quality flour, a vital ingredient for numerous food products," stated Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.

Expanding on the benefits, Laurel added that the mill "represents a significant boost to Quezon's agricultural sector, contributing to its growth and development." The DA also drew attention to the mill's advanced technology, which streamlines production, storage, and packaging processes. This ensures efficiency and high-quality output, contributing to the overall competitiveness of the agricultural sector in Quezon province.

The inauguration ceremony was a star-studded affair, attended by key figures from both the government and the private sector. URC Chairman Lance Gokongwei, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Secretary Laurel were joined by other notable attendees, including Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, URC's chairman Lance Y. Gokongwei, president and CEO Irwin C. Lee, and flour division managing director Ellison Dean C. Lee.

At the event, Gokongwei expressed his confidence in the project's potential to contribute to the country's food security and economic growth. "This mill is a testament to our commitment to investing in the Philippines and supporting its agricultural sector," Gokongwei stated.

Building on this, he highlighted the company's dedication to providing Filipinos with access to high-quality and affordable food products, emphasizing the mill's role in achieving this goal. Gokongwei also underscored URC's commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring that the mill operates with minimal environmental impact.

President Marcos also expressed his support for the project and highlighted its alignment with the administration's focus on food security. "This mill represents a vital step towards strengthening our domestic food production and reducing our reliance on imports," he remarked.

During his speech, the President emphasized the importance of this investment in ensuring affordable and nutritious food for Filipinos, particularly amid global challenges affecting food supply chains. He also acknowledged the role of URC and other private sector partners in contributing to the country's economic growth and development.

Beyond its immediate impact on flour production, the mill will also produce 99,000 MT of bran and pollard annually, valuable byproducts used in animal feed, further stimulating agricultural activity in the region. URC confirmed the facility features cutting-edge milling technology sourced from Switzerland.

This marks URC's third flour mill in the country, solidifying their position as a leading flour producer in the Philippines. The company has also highlighted its commitment to sustainable practices, with the mill designed to minimize environmental impact and promote responsible resource management.

Representing a P5.4 billion investment, the mill utilizes fully automated technology and is expected to begin commercial operations in January, generating 102 direct jobs. Local officials anticipate it will also attract related businesses to the area, further boosting economic activity.

"This is a significant development for Quezon's agricultural sector," a provincial representative stated, highlighting the potential for enhanced flour production capabilities and new opportunities for local farmers. The increased economic activity is expected to have positive social impacts as well, improving the livelihoods of communities in the region.

The URC flour mill marks a major advancement for Quezon's agricultural landscape and the nation's food security goals. Its success could serve as a model for future agricultural investments and public-private partnerships, encouraging further development and collaboration within the sector.