South Korea to help put up assembly plant for farm machinery

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and South Korea are firming up plans for a farm machinery assembly facility in Cabanatuan City as part of measures to strengthen local manufacturing and improve farmers’ access to advanced equipment.

In a statement, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) said a meeting earlier this month between Philippine officials and Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) was held to discuss the venture.

“The meeting included discussions on the proposed project operations, infrastructure requirements and potential investments from Korean companies,” said PHilMech.

“The delegation also noted opportunities to support the project with broader national needs, including provision for irrigation and land rehabilitation efforts,” it added.

MAFRA representatives said more Korean firms are expected to join the project as it progresses.

Meanwhile, the Philippine side said it is exploring ways to align the project with broader national needs, including support for irrigation and land rehabilitation.

PHilMech executive director Rex Bingabing Alvindia reaffirmed the agency’s backing, saying local assembly would improve after-sales service, widen access to spare parts and provide more reliable equipment for farmers.

The two sides discussed long-term capacity-building plans, including technical training partnerships and the creation of a mechanization institute.