April 2025 - FitCorea Trading Phils. Inc

Bringing Global Innovations to Local Farms

Posted on April 21, 2025April 21, 2025 by fitcorea

Members of the Technical Assistance for South Korea (TASK) program attended the Korea International Exhibition of Machinery, Equipment, Science, and Technology for Agriculture (KIEMSTA).

This visit provided them with valuable insights into the latest advancements in agricultural machinery and technology. By engaging with leading manufacturers and experts, TASK members aimed to enhance their knowledge and foster collaboration that will benefit the agricultural sector in the Philippines.

The insights gained from this visit will inform future initiatives aimed at improving local farming practices, increasing efficiency, and facilitating technology transfer to Filipino technicians.

The KIEMSTA exhibit showcased a diverse array of agricultural machines, highlighting innovations designed to enhance farming efficiency and sustainability. Attendees explored advanced tractors, precision planting equipment, and cutting-edge irrigation systems that promise to optimize resource use. Additionally, machinery for soil cultivation, crop protection, and post-harvest processing was on display, illustrating the latest technological advancements in the agricultural sector.

This comprehensive exhibition not only emphasizes the importance of modernizing farming practices but also offers Filipino farmers invaluable insights into improving productivity and operational effectiveness.

FIT Corea and Bulls Strengthen Agri Ties with PHilMech

Posted on April 15, 2025April 15, 2025 by fitcorea

In a continued effort to strengthen agricultural mechanization in the Philippines, FIT Corea and its partner brand, Bulls, have taken another step forward by setting a scheduled meeting with the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech). With FIT Corea playing a key role in introducing advanced Korean machinery to Philippine Agricultural Machines, this engagement aims to further align innovation with the needs of Filipino farmers.

the Bulls team, in coordination with FIT Corea, had the opportunity to meet with PHilMech Director Dr. Dionisio G. Alvindia to showcase two promising agricultural machines: the Multi-Crop Harvester and the Onion Stem Cutter. Designed for efficiency, speed, and crop protection, these machines underwent live field demonstrations to validate their quality and performance under real farming conditions.

This initiative also sets the tone for future partnerships and pilot programs that aim to make advanced machinery more accessible across rural communities in the Philippines.

FIT Corea and Bulls recently led a successful field demonstration that brought advanced machinery closer to the hands of Filipino farmers. Showcasing the Multi-Crop Harvester and the Onion Stem Cutter, the demonstration aimed to highlight the potential of modern equipment in addressing long-standing labor challenges and improving post-harvest efficiency. The event gathered farmers, local stakeholders, and representatives from PHilMech to witness firsthand how technology can revolutionize day-to-day farming practices.

it was a collaborative effort to understand how these machines can truly integrate into local workflows, climates, and crop types.

The Multi-Crop Harvester, designed for versatility and efficiency, This equipment not only reduces manual labor but also ensures a cleaner, faster, and more consistent harvest—especially important for small- to mid-scale farmers who often rely on limited manpower during peak seasons. The demo clearly reflected the machine’s adaptability to Philippine terrain and farming needs.

On the other hand, the Onion Stem Cutter proved to be a game-changer for onion farmers. Known for the tedious and time-consuming nature of onion post-harvest handling, this machine streamlined the process, cutting stems cleanly and efficiently with minimal crop damage. Farmers expressed excitement over how this tool could save time, lower labor costs, and reduce physical strain, especially during harvest peaks in major onion-producing regions.

game-changer for onion farmers. Known for the tedious and time-consuming nature of onion post-harvest handling, this machine streamlined the process, cutting stems cleanly and efficiently with minimal crop damage. Farmers expressed excitement over how this tool could save time, lower labor costs, and reduce physical strain, especially during harvest peaks in major onion-producing regions.

More than a showcase, the field demonstration served as a dialogue between innovation and grassroots farming.

Forging Agricultural Progress

Posted on April 15, 2025April 15, 2025 by fitcorea

DA Officials and WECAN Global Align on Gearbox Standards, ODA Progress, and Korea Visit

In a follow-up to the PHilMech event held on February 20, a high-level meeting took place on February 21 between the Philippine Department of Agriculture’s Undersecretary for Official Development Assistance (ODA), Jerome Oliveros, Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, and representatives from WECAN Global. The discussion revolved around key agricultural modernization initiatives, particularly the drive toward standardizing gear-type gearboxes for hand tractors and deepening international collaborations.

WECAN Global presented a comprehensive report on the outcomes of the PHilMech event, emphasizing the significance of establishing unified gearbox specifications to guide all local machinery manufacturers. This standardization effort is a vital step in ensuring interoperability, quality assurance, and long-term sustainability for agricultural machines deployed across the Philippines.

The meeting also explored forward-looking plans, including a proposed visit to South Korea by Philippine agricultural representatives. The trip aims to provide firsthand exposure to cutting-edge Korean agricultural technologies and explore potential partnerships. Notably, the delegation plans to participate in the upcoming agricultural machinery expo—a key platform for enhancing cooperation and identifying solutions tailored to Philippine farming conditions.

In addition to these mechanization priorities, Undersecretary Oliveros provided a crucial update on the ₱10 billion ODA fund aimed at advancing agricultural infrastructure and disease prevention initiatives. The design and site selection for cold storage facilities are currently underway, while field testing continues for African Swine Fever (ASF), Avian Influenza (AI), and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) prevention projects. The disbursement of funds is targeted for April 2025, with the machinery procurement phase expected to begin between August and September.

Through this strengthened partnership with WECAN Global and the strategic oversight of DA leadership, the Philippines is making significant strides in aligning modernization goals with global agricultural best practices—paving the way for a more efficient, resilient, and future-ready farming sector.

PHilMech, WECAN Global, Strengthen Mechanization with Optimized Gearbox and Engineer Training

Posted on April 15, 2025April 15, 2025 by fitcorea

PHilMech, WECAN Global, Strengthen Mechanization with Optimized Gearbox and Engineer Training in a strategic move to elevate the standards of Philippine agricultural mechanization, PHilMech and WECAN Global—a renowned South Korean agricultural machinery manufacturer—have agreed to standardize the gear-type gearbox for hand tractors and enhance the technical capacity of Filipino engineers through intensive training.

To ensure long-term sustainability and excellence in the use of advanced farm equipment, PHilMech engineers will undergo training on the operation, assembly, maintenance, and after-sales service of rotavators and plows, especially those distributed under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund. This upskilling program will be hosted both locally at PHilMech and internationally at WECAN Global’s facility in South Korea.

This initiative is made even more impactful through the leadership of Philip Kim, President of FIT Corea and Country Representative of the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO). Driven by a strong advocacy to modernize Philippine farming practices, Philip Kim plays a vital role in bridging Korean agricultural innovation and local needs. Through his efforts, FIT Corea has continuously introduced durable, efficient, and farmer-friendly Korean machinery that addresses real challenges in the field.

Philip Kim highlighted the broader mission behind FIT Corea and KAMICO’s support to PHilMech and other agricultural agencies.

PHilMech Director IV Dr. Dionisio G. Alvindia emphasized that sustainable knowledge transfer is key to strengthening the country’s farm mechanization efforts. He noted that many Filipinos have already received training at WECAN Global’s facilities in Korea, and underscored the importance of continuous learning and application.

WECAN Global President Jun-Hwan Kim reaffirmed their full commitment to advancing knowledge exchange. “When you come to Korea, we will teach and give you all the knowledge that you need,” he stated, expressing confidence in the long-term impact of the program.

Engr. Raymund Joseph P. Macaranas, Chief of the Agricultural Mechanization Division, also stressed that advanced technology requires a deep understanding to ensure proper use. “Modern machines require proper training. Before you can modernize farming, you need to fully understand how the equipment works to avoid damage and maximize efficiency. This training is just the beginning of many more to come,” he said.

Representatives from PHilMech’s Extension Support, Education, and Training Services were also present to ensure that the knowledge gained is cascaded effectively across the organization, creating a ripple effect of growth and innovation across the country’s agricultural sector.