President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aiming to boost agriculture in the country through the use of home-grown machineries.
In a sectoral meeting at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, President Marcos expressed confidence the program would be supported by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
“For one thing, it’s (locally-produced machineries) 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.
“Some of these things I see it already, ‘yung pinamimigay natin. ‘Yung mga iba– especially the towed machines that we use for harvesting, for tilling, nakikita na natin ang iba,” the Chief Executive said in referring to previous distribution of government support and services.
President Marcos made the remarks during the meeting where Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. sought approval for DOST’s “Local Manufacturing Capabilities to Support Agri-Mechanization” program.
Solidum said the government’s shift from importation to local production of local machineries would not only benefit the agricultural sector but also strengthen the manufacturing industry.
He highlighted the crucial role of the agriculture sector 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 said.
“With our limited resources and capabilities, we need to strengthen the agri-machineries sector. Supporting homegrown agri-machinery can lead to more efficient farming practices, increase productivity and, of course, have more employment for our people,” he added.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. supported DOST’s program but emphasized the need to focus on which machinery to be prioritized 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. PND
