MANILA, Oct. 16 -- The government is ramping up efforts to modernize the agriculture sector as it targets to complete 145 Rice Processing Systems (RPS) nationwide before the end of the year, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced Thursday.

The RPS project is implemented under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech).

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. described the initiative as one of the Marcos administration's "legacy investments," a milestone achievement aimed at helping farmers become more competitive.

"This is a legacy investment - one that finally gives our farmers the tools to compete and thrive...