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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos OKs program for home-grown agri machineries

Marcos OKs program for home-grown agri machineries

Published Nov 13, 2024 08:33 am

President Marcos has approved a program that intends to shift from importation to local production of machineries in boosting the country's agriculture sector.

BBM agri mechanization sectoral.jpg
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. presides over a sectoral meeting at the Malacañan Palace on Nov. 13, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Malacañang)

In a sectoral meeting at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, Nov. 13, Marcos approved the program under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and expressed confidence that it would be supported by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“For one thing, it’s (locally-produced machineries) cheaper. For sure, it’s always cheaper than the imported. We get to that point where it is always cheaper than the imported. We now have to scale it,” Marcos said during the meeting.

“Some of these things I see it already, yung pinamimigay natin (those that we are giving out). Yung mga iba (The others)– especially the towed machines that we use for harvesting, for tilling, nakikita na natin ang iba (we have seen the others),” he added, referring to previous distribution of government support and services.

The program is under the DOST’s Local Manufacturing Capabilities to Support Agri-Mechanization.

According to DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., the government’s shift from importation to local production of local machineries would not only benefit the agricultural sector but also strengthen the manufacturing industry.

“Mechanization is a key driver for improving efficiency and reducing cost in farming. The DA recognizes the need for mechanization. It has been providing farm implements to farmers and cooperatives, particularly through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund,” Solidum said.

“With our limited resources and capabilities, we need to strengthen the agri-machineries sector. Supporting homegrown agri-machinery can lead to more efficient farming practices, increase productivity and, of course, have more employment for our people,” he added.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. supported DOST’s program but emphasized the need to focus on which machinery to be prioritized and ensure the machines meet quality standards.

This prompted the Marcos to direct the DOST, DA, and other research institutes to ensure the research and development aspects of the agri-mechanization drive. The President also ordered the smooth implementation of the program.

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