CASTILLEJOS, Zambales – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted an on-site inspection of Antolin-Ebreo Rice Mill as part of its application for the Domestic Bidders (DoBid) Certificate of Preference.
The DoBid Certificate of Preference grants qualified local businesses a maximum of 15 percent bid preference over foreign suppliers in government procurement, provided all other requirements are met.
DTI Provincial Director Enrique Tacbad said the inspection team assessed the facility’s operations to determine its eligibility for the certification.
“The DoBid program is designed to give local producers a better chance in public bidding, encouraging more domestic participation in government procurement,” he said.
He added that the initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of Filipino enterprises in the public sector supply chain.
During the visit, the DTI team was given a facility overview by owner Antolin Ebreo, followed by a guided tour of key operational areas including milling, drying, and storage sections.
Company personnel demonstrated the use of major processing equipment such as the Paddy Dryer, Precleaner, Dehusker, Separator, and Whitener. The rice mill also shared information on its production process, rice varieties, market coverage, and recent improvements.
Antolin-Ebreo Rice Mill is the first applicant from Zambales for DoBid certification in 2025.
DTI encourages other local manufacturers and processors to explore the advantages of the DoBid program and take part in the application process. (CLJD/RGP,PIA Region 3-Zambales)