Marcos breaks ground on Phl’s first major agricultural machinery hub
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking of the first full-scale agri-machinery manufacturing complex in the Philippines, a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Complex (KAMIC) in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. The multi-phased project, which will begin construction in 2026, aims to enhance agricultural modernization through a three-phase plan: Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) Assembly, Complete Knocked Down (CKD) Assembly, and full manufacturing. This initiative, backed by the Korea Agricultural Machinery Cooperative (KAMICO), will improve rice productivity, lower machinery costs, and create jobs in Central Luzon. It also promises to provide technology transfer to Filipino farmers and make mechanization accessible to small and medium-scale farmers. To further support this, the DA will distribute machinery, equipment, and inputs to farmer cooperatives for the 2025-2026 dry season.
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday spearheaded the groundbreaking of the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Complex (KAMIC), the country’s first large-scale agricultural machinery manufacturing hub, marking what he described as a major step toward strengthening farm mechanization and reducing dependence on imported equipment.
The ceremony was held at the Kalikid Golf Course in Cabanatuan City, where the President paid tribute to the hard work and enduring challenges faced by Filipino farmers.
Marcos emphasized that the establishment of KAMIC will play a pivotal role in modernizing agricultural operations across the country.
Designed to produce advanced farm machinery tailored for Philippine conditions, KAMIC is expected to bolster productivity, improve crop quality, and raise farmers’ incomes.
The facility will manufacture tractors, seeders, and other equipment essential for efficient and modern farming.
“The KAMIC is the first agricultural machinery production complex in the country. Its purpose is to strengthen our capacity to develop and build farm machinery,” the President said.
“Designed with Filipino farmers in mind, these tools will help increase production, improve crop quality, and ultimately raise the income of our farmers,” he added.
Marcos said local production of machinery and spare parts will eliminate long waits for imported components and protect farmers from overpriced equipment.
“No more farmers left behind in farming technology. The importance of mechanization in agriculture cannot be overstressed,” he noted.
The President also expressed gratitude to South Korea for its confidence in the Philippines, highlighting the importance of the partnership in uplifting the agriculture sector.
“To our Korean partners, thank you for believing that the Philippines is worth investing in. Thank you also for trusting the Filipino farmer and for taking part in our shared progress,” he said.
“I assure you that the government will continue to promote policies to protect your investments here in the Philippines.”
KAMIC will be constructed on a 20-hectare property owned by the local government in Barangay Kalikid Sur, Cabanatuan City.
Backed by a USD100-million investment, the complex is expected to become a vital support system for the country’s bid to fully mechanize agriculture and improve the lives of millions of Filipino farmers.