R&D Collaborative Archives - FitCorea Trading Phils. Inc

This collaboration seeks to ensure that Filipino farmers have access to world-class tools built right here at home.

In a collaborative effort to strengthen the local agricultural machinery industry, FIT Corea, WECAN Global, and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) conducted site visits to three Philippine-based agricultural machinery manufacturers.

These companies specialize in producing a range of equipment designed to support the needs of Filipino farmers. The purpose of the visit was to gain deeper insights into each company’s manufacturing processes, technical capabilities, and product quality. By gathering this information, the team aims to identify how best to support local manufacturers in improving their machinery—making them more durable, efficient, and reliable.

With WECAN Global bringing in its expertise in advanced manufacturing and engineering standards, the initiative focuses on uplifting the quality of locally made machines so they can better serve farmers in the field.

In a significant step forward for Philippine agricultural modernization, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) formally strengthened its partnership with South Korea’s WECAN GLOBAL Co. Ltd. and three trusted local agricultural machinery manufacturers. The collaboration was sealed through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on April 30 at PHilMech’s main office in Nueva Ecija. WECAN GLOBAL Chairman Joon Hwan Kim, along with his research and development team, visited PHilMech to follow up on their initial meeting with the agency regarding their hand tractor gearbox transmission standardization project. The wrap-up meeting culminated in discussions between the parties on the best course of action for standardization, paving the way for the MOU signing. PHilMech Director IV, Dr. Dionisio G. Alvindia, expressed his willingness to collaborate with the South Korean agricultural machinery manufacturer, emphasizing the partnership’s potential in accelerating agricultural mechanization in the country.

This partnership reinforces PHilMech’s commitment to utilizing global expertise and technological advancements to empower local farmers and manufacturers.

Chairman Joon Hwan Kim likewise reiterated WECANGLOBAL’s sense of mission and responsibility to help in modernizing Philippine agriculture.

The MOU highlights the commitment of all parties to conduct joint studies, pilot testing, and capability building activities that support the localization of agri-mechanization technologies.

The event brought together key representatives from local manufacturing companies including Mr. Philip Kim, President and CEO of FITCOREA Trading Phils. Inc., Mr. Ronie R. Marcos of ACT Corp., Ms. Rosalie L. Reyes of JNJ Handtractor, and Mr. Roman S. Lugto of VAL Agri Machineries and Machine Shop.

Amidst the vibrant festivities of the Dinamulag Festival in Palauig, Zambales, FIT Corea, in collaboration with the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), took center stage in promoting agricultural innovation with a special field demonstration at Batungbacal Farm.

As part of their ongoing partnership to advance agricultural mechanization in the Philippines, FIT Corea and PHilMech introduced the Multi-Purpose Lifting Machine, a solution designed to support fruit farmers by addressing the physical limitations of traditional harvesting methods.

Festival attendees witnessed the machine’s impressive capabilities firsthand as it effortlessly extended up to 5,500mm (approximately 18 feet), showcasing its efficiency in reaching elevated mangoes with ease. This live demonstration left a lasting impression on both local farmers and festival-goers, sparking conversations on modern tools for farm productivity and safety.

During the visit, FIT Corea’s representatives, Jeff and Arcel, engaged with one of the owners of Batungbacal Farm. In a candid interview, the farm owner shared challenges in harvesting mangoes across their 12.5-hectare orchard. A key issue highlighted was the difficulty faced by female workers in climbing trees to reach mangoes in high and critical spots — a task only male workers typically manage. This challenge emphasized the urgent need for inclusive, safe, and efficient harvesting solutions.

The deployment of the Multi-Purpose Lifting Machine was a direct response to that concern, offering a tool that improves productivity while ensuring accessibility and safety for all workers, regardless of gender.

Through engaging dialogues, hands-on demos, and real-world farmer feedback, FIT Corea and PHilMech continue to pave the way for sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices — reaffirming their commitment to empowering Filipino farmers with innovative tools tailored to local needs.