President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday for the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Complex (KAMIC) in Nueva Ecija, marking the establishment of the country’s first large-scale factory dedicated to agricultural machinery. This landmark project, a partnership with South Korea, is set to significantly strengthen local farm mechanization, boost agricultural productivity, and reduce the Philippines’ reliance on imported farm equipment.
During the ceremony at the Kalikid Golf Course in Cabanatuan City, President Marcos acknowledged the critical role and sacrifices of Filipino farmers, emphasizing that their “struggles deserve solutions that are lasting and within reach.”
The President highlighted that KAMIC will play a vital role in modernizing farming operations and alleviating labor shortages through the production of advanced, locally suited machinery.
“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,” President Marcos stated. “Designed with Filipino farmers in mind, these tools will help increase production, improve crop quality, and ultimately raise the income of our farmers.”
The facility is expected to directly address the common challenges farmers face. President Marcos stressed that with local manufacturing, farmers will no longer face lengthy delays for spare parts or be forced to pay for overpriced imported equipment.
“No more farmers left behind in farming technology. The importance of mechanization in agriculture cannot be overstressed,” he affirmed.
The KAMIC project represents a significant foreign direct investment of USD100 million and will be constructed on a 20-hectare government-owned land in Barangay Kalikid Sur, Cabanatuan City.
The complex is designed to assemble and manufacture a range of essential agricultural machinery, including tractors and seeders, specifically tailored for the Philippine farming environment.
President Marcos expressed deep gratitude to the Korean partners for their investment and trust in the Filipino agricultural 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. Our partnership together brings technology and hope to these individuals who nourish and sustain us,” the President said.
He further assured the investors of the government’s commitment: “I assure you that the government will continue to promote policies to protect your investments here in the Philippines.”
The establishment of KAMIC is a major step forward in the administration’s goal to achieve food security and transform the Philippine agricultural sector through technology and mechanization.
