By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In a sectoral meeting at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the “Local Manufacturing Capabilities to Support Agri-Mechanization” program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), aiming to boost agriculture in the country through the use of home-grown machinery, expressing confidence that the Department of Agriculture (DA) would support the program.
“For one thing, it’s (locally produced machinery) cheaper. For sure, it’s always cheaper than the imported. We get to that point where it is always cheaper than the imported. We now have to scale it,” President Marcos said.
During the meeting, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the government’s shift from importation to local production of local machinery would provide benefits to both the agricultural sector and domestic manufacturing industry, emphasizing the crucial role of the former in the Philippine economy and its direct impact on the country’s food security and livelihood.
“Mechanization is a key driver for improving efficiency and reducing cost in farming. The DA recognizes the need for mechanization. It has been providing farm implements to farmers and cooperatives, particularly through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund,” Solidum added.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. supported DOST’s program but emphasized the need to focus on which machinery to prioritize and ensure the machines meet quality standards.
This prompted President Marcos to direct the DOST, DA, and other research institutes to ensure the research and development aspects of the agri-mechanization drive. The President also ordered the smooth implementation of the program. (With report from Kenneth Paciente/PTV News)
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