Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO) chairman Shin Gil Kim and Cabanatuan City Mayor Myca Elizabeth Vergara on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish the first local agricultural machinery manufacturing cluster in the Philippines.
The Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Complex (KAMIC) aims to enhance agricultural mechanization, boost productivity and contribute to food security in the country.
The project continues the agreement witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on June 6, 2023, which focused on promoting agricultural mechanization through local machinery manufacturing.
Key components of the partnership include the establishment of an assembly production line; research and development in agricultural machinery technology; workforce training programs; and provision of official development assistance (ODA) from Korea.
KAMIC seeks to stimulate local manufacturing and distribution, improve crop quality, increase farmer incomes and produce tailored agricultural machinery.
Recognizing the critical need for agricultural equipment to improve the country’s mechanization levels, Tiu Laurel said the project would be integrated into the Department of Agriculture’s four-year plan, “Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.”
The plan prioritizes the modernization of agri-fishery production systems to enhance productivity and resilience in farming and fishing communities.
The MOU signing coincided with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. President Yoon Suk Yeol, during his inaugural state visit to the Philippines, attended the ceremony.
