President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernizing Philippine agriculture, calling the sector the “soul” of the country’s economy.

Speaking before farmers and local officials at the Kalikid Golf Course, Marcos emphasized that strengthening agriculture remains central to national growth and rural development.

“I truly believe that agriculture is the soul of our economy,” the President said as he led the distribution of farm machinery and the groundbreaking of a new agricultural manufacturing complex in Nueva Ecija.

“This is why we will continue to advance the agricultural sector with technology and the support that our farmers rightfully deserve, suited to the demands of the modern world.”

Marcos oversaw the turnover of a wide range of equipment to 44 farmer cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in Central Luzon. The distributed machinery included four-wheel drive tractors with implements, mechanical planters, combine harvesters, and hand tractors—tools expected to help farmers reduce labor, increase productivity, and improve efficiency.

Farmers also received fertilizer, soil ameliorants, hybrid seeds, and foliar supplements to support 22,103 hectares of hybrid rice for the 2025–2026 dry-season cropping.

The President expressed hope that the equipment would ease the physical burden on farmers while boosting output.

“Never naman mangyari na magiging madali ang pagsasaka. Pero sana mapabilis ang trabaho ninyo at sana naman ay mapagaan ang inyong trabaho para naman magkaroon kayo ng panahon na makasama ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay

(No matter what happens, farming will never be easy. But I hope your work becomes faster and that your tasks become lighter, so that you can have time to be with your loved ones),” he told farmers.

Groundbreaking of KAMIC

Earlier in the day, Marcos led the groundbreaking of the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Complex (KAMIC), the country’s first large-scale agricultural machinery manufacturing facility. The project is seen as a major step toward modernizing local farming operations, reducing reliance on imported machinery, and strengthening the Philippines’ agricultural value chain.

Marcos said the facility will play a crucial role in boosting productivity and securing the country's food supply.

“With the help of KAMIC and the hard work of our farmers, I am confident that our nation’s future will be more prosperous,” he said. “That is how important the work of our farmers is to the rest of our country.”

He added that the government remains committed to ensuring that farmers receive the tools, technology, and support needed to thrive in a more competitive global market.

Commitment to modernization

Marcos closed his remarks with a call for unity in uplifting the sector that feeds the nation.

“Together, we will build productive fields here in Central Luzon and across the country where every farmer can stand tall and dignified for the work that he or she does,” he said.