DA Close to Reaching Goal of Modern Agriculture
Philippine Agriculture Modernizes: Marcos Jr. Leads machinery Handover and Honors Trailblazers
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Nueva Ecija, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has spearheaded a significant initiative aimed at modernizing Philippine agriculture, marked by the simultaneous handover of vital farm machinery to rice farmers and the recognition of the nation’s agricultural trailblazers at the 50th Gawad Saka Awards. The events, held in the key rice-producing province of Nueva ecija, underscore the administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture from a policy aspiration into a tangible reality, driven by scientific advancements and farmer empowerment.
Modernizing Farming: A P95.1 Million Investment in Progress
The Marcos administration’s vision for a self-reliant agricultural sector is being realized through a substantial investment package of P95.1 million in machinery and equipment. This initiative is designed to bring about transformative improvements for over 6,000 rice farmers cultivating nearly 10,000 hectares of land in Nueva Ecija.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the profound impact of these resources, stating, “This isn’t just machinery; it’s the lifeline of a more modern, self-reliant agriculture sector.” The program aims to elevate farmers from subsistence livelihoods to entrepreneurial ventures, anchored in cutting-edge technology and dedicated service.
Key Machinery and Equipment Delivered
The core of this investment includes a state-of-the-art Rice Processing System (RPS), valued at over P64 million. This advanced system comprises a multi-stage rice mill capable of processing 2-3 metric tons of palay per hour, alongside two recirculating dryers, each with a capacity of 12 metric tons per batch.Complementing the RPS is a package of essential farm equipment worth P31.1 million, including a four-wheel tractor, sixteen combine harvesters, and a cultivator. These assets are poised to significantly enhance the farmers’ ability to mill, package, and market their own produce. This capability is expected to dramatically improve quality control, boost profit potential, and substantially reduce post-harvest losses.
The funding for these crucial assets is sourced from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). Looking ahead, Secretary Tiu Laurel Jr. announced that the RCEF budget is slated to triple to P30 billion between 2026 and 2031, enabling the expansion of similar systems and support to other rice-producing provinces across the country.
Gawad Saka Awards: Celebrating Agricultural Excellence
The day’s events also featured the prestigious 50th Gawad Saka Awards, a ceremony that honored 43 national champions in agriculture. These distinguished individuals and institutions, including farmers, fishers, researchers, and youth advocates, where recognized for their exceptional contributions and innovative practices. Awardees received project grants and cash prizes ranging from P150,000 to P3 million, acknowledging their grit, innovation, and commitment to lasting farming. Their inspiring stories serve as a powerful testament to the evolving and dynamic nature of Philippine agriculture.
Mobile Soil Laboratories: Bringing science to the Field
Further bolstering the administration’s commitment to science-driven agriculture,President Marcos inaugurated 16 mobile soil laboratories,one for each region of the Philippines.These advanced facilities are designed to bring agronomic science directly to the farmers in their fields. Since its pilot launch in December in Region III, the first mobile lab has already served over 1,500 farmers across 42 municipalities, issuing 362 soil-health cards and five fertility maps.
By treating soil samples as strategic tools,the initiative aims to enhance crop yields and optimize input efficiency,critical elements president Marcos identifies as vital for achieving food security and improving the livelihoods of Filipino farmers.
In a related development, the National Food Authority (NFA) in Cabanatuan City celebrated the reopening of its refurbished warehouse. The P17.9 million facelift has significantly upgraded the facility, increasing its storage capacity to 193,000 rice bags. This expansion enhances the NFA’s buffer-stocking capabilities and ensures farmers have more accessible avenues for fair pricing of their harvested palay.