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.
