The Philippines inaugurated its first Agricultural Machinery Design and Prototyping Center (AMDPC)—a 2,000-square meter state-of-the-art facility at the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) in Munoz, Nueva Ecija on Thursday.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. said the farm sector anticipates the potential of the AMDPC to revolutionize agricultural machinery production in the country.
“This multi-million US dollar state-of-the-art facility can revolutionize the way we see agricultural machinery production today. With modern fabrication equipment and top engineering design and simulation software, what more can we not do, what more efficient machines can we not produce?” he said.
The Philippine government and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) co-funded the project with the latter providing $5.78 million or about P289 million, and the Department of Agriculture (DA) contributing P81.54 million.
The project received support from the Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) and the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO).
Officials said the AMDPC is expected to play a crucial role in accelerating the country’s agricultural mechanization.
By enhancing PhilMech’s capability to design, develop and manufacture agricultural machinery and prototypes, the center will help to provide farmers with affordable, locally-manufactured machinery that utilizes modern technology to boost production and income.
The facility is equipped with cutting-edge prototyping equipment that will be used to showcase and disseminate innovative agricultural technologies.
It will also serve as an avenue for local manufacturers, agricultural engineers, and researchers to collaborate and develop solutions to improve agricultural practices.
Laurel said in his speech AMDPC is important in promoting agricultural modernization and mechanization. He expressed his gratitude to the Republic of Korea and KOICA for their generosity in supporting the project.
“Thank you for building with us a bridge that will help our country move towards the modernization and mechanization of the agriculture sector. We will always value our partnership,” Laurel said.
The AMDPC is also expected to strengthen the institutional collaboration between the Korean government and DA research agencies.
The inauguration of the AMDPC marks a significant milestone in the Philippines’ efforts to modernize its agriculture sector. With this new facility, the country is well-positioned to develop innovative agricultural technologies that will improve the lives of farmers and contribute to food security.