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

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.

DA, KAMICO, Cabanatuan City Sign MOU to Set up First Local Agricultural Machinery Cluster

The project will enhance agricultural mechanization across the country and help improve productivity
and food security.

The MOU builds on a previous agreement witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on June 6, 2023, which focused on promoting agricultural mechanization through the establishment of a local machinery manufacturing cluster. Key components of this partnership include the creation of an assembly production line, research and development in agricultural machinery technology, workforce training, and provision of Official Development Assistance.

President Marcos underscored the significance of this collaboration to boost agricultural productivity, particularly in rice supply, and highlighted the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund as a complementary initiative.

KAMICO aims to stimulate local manufacturing and distribution, enhance crop quality, increase farmer incomes, and produce tailored agricultural machinery.

Recognizing the critical need for agricultural equipment to improve the country’s mechanization levels, Sec. Tiu Laurel said the project will be integrated to the Department of Agriculture’s four-year plan, “Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.” This plan prioritizes the acceleration of modernization in agri-fishery production systems to ultimately enhance productivity and resilience within farming and fishing communities.

The MOU signing coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, and was attended by President Yoon Suk Yeol during his inaugural state visit to the Philippines.

DA, KAMICO Jumpstart Project for farm Mechanization

This is the result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed last year, between DA and KAMICO that aims to set up the Korea Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing Cluster in the country.Add Your Heading Text Here

The President also recognized the importance of mechanization, stressing that it would result in better yield, lower production cost, and competitive Filipino farmers,” Tiu Laurel shared.

 

The project aims to elevate agricultural practices in the Philippines by producing high-quality farming machinery. It will create job opportunities and transfer advanced technology to Filipino technicians. This initiative will revolutionize farming, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and prosperity for Filipino farmers.

 

KAMICO and DA with President Marcos Jr., tie-up to improve food security in Philippines

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on June 6, 2023 expressed confidence that the partnership between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO) would boost the food production in the Philippines.

This, as Marcos witnessed the DA and KAMICO’s signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperative partnership for agricultural machinery in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

 

 

The MOU’s salient features include the establishment of a local agricultural machinery manufacturing cluster such as assembly production line, research and development of agricultural machinery technology, workforce training on agricultural machinery technology and a grant of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to further explore potential projects.

 

 

During the ceremonial signing, Marcos said the partnership on agricultural mechanization is vital to improve productivity and ensure food security in the country.

Acknowledging the partnership’s importance to increase the rice supply, Marcos said the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) would complement the mechanization initiatives.

 

“We all recognized very clearly the importance of mechanization for our country because we are trying to move the production, we are trying to make sure that at least the local supply for rice is sufficient and, of course, hopefully, also the other crops,” Marcos, who concurrently serves as DA secretary, said.

 

“The key to all of this is mechanization and all of the things that we’re trying to do. We have some programs to mechanize. We have the RCEF Program, in which is the collections from the tariffs on rice importations are then applied also to mechanize,” he added.

 

 

KAMICO said an initial investment of USD30 million would be made for the implementation of Phase 1 of the project.

The amount would be tripled in the second phase, KAMICO noted.

 

The project aims to ensure food self-sufficiency; transform the Philippines as a food exporting country; increase employment and farmers’ income; establish infrastructure on agricultural mechanization and industrialization; and pursue technology transfer and production of specialized machinery.

 

 

 

 

Present during the signing of MOU were DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) director Dionisio Alvindia, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, KAMICO chairperson Shin Gil Kim and KAMICO Director Si Min Yi, according to a Facebook post by state-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM).

 

The DA and KAMICO have already collaborated on various agricultural projects.

Among their completed projects are adaptability testing of a self-propelled Mechanical Elevating Work Platform for mango production operations, and technology performance verification and adaptation of a mechanized onion production system.

 

Their ongoing projects include pilot adoption and pre-commercialization of PhilMech-KAMICO developed corn mill; technology advice and solutions from South Korea; and Agricultural Mechanization Design and Prototyping Center project.

 

KAMICO, established in 1962 and recognized by the Korean government, has more than 650 members and is a major player in the mechanization of Korea’s agriculture sector.

KAMICO actively works in the global agricultural machinery industry by providing aid to developing countries, dispatching investment research groups to emerging markets overseas and conducting training for international customers.

 

 

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. poses for photo opportunity with the Department of Agriculture and the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO) officials after the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperative partnership for agricultural machinery at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (June 6, 2023).

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIT Corea and KAMICO Extend Congratulations to DA-PhilMech on its 45th Anniversary

Pres. Kim of Fit-Corea and KAMICO visited DA-Philmech to extend their congratulations on the occasion of their anniversary celebration. The partnership between the two entities, which began in 2016, has been highly productive, resulting in significant advancements in the agricultural sector.

 

 

During their visit, both Pres. Kim of Fit-Corea and KAMICO expressed their appreciation for the successful collaboration and notable achievements that have resulted from their partnership with DA-Philmech.

 

 

Pres. Kim of Fit-Corea, KAMICO, and DA-Philmech reiterated their enthusiasm and eagerness to continue working together. They eagerly anticipate engaging in more collaborative projects and developing initiatives that effectively address the evolving needs of farmers. Their shared objective is to contribute to the overall growth and development of the agricultural sector.

 

 

This visit by Pres. Kim of Fit-Corea, KAMICO, and DA-Philmech for the anniversary celebration served as a testament to the strong bond and shared commitment between the organizations. It celebrated past achievements while reaffirming their dedication to ongoing collaboration and success in advancing the agricultural landscape.

 

PBBM Supports Localization of Farm Machines

The President of the Philippines and concurrent Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., made his way to the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) to lead the distribution assistance under DA last April 24, 2023, at the PHilMech central office in Nueva Ecija.

 

 

 

President Marcos holds concurrently the position of Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and in his speech told his reason for appointing himself to this cabinet portfolio – is his strong belief that food sufficiency is the very foundation of progress and development as a hungry populace cannot build a strong republic.

 

 

The nature of the partnership is based upon the strong commitment to technology transfer with PHilMech engineers and to train PHilMech-accredited Filipino agricultural machinery manufacturers for technical adoption and craftsmanship.
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