The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday signed a landmark agreement with publicly-listed Megawide Construction Corp. to develop integrated agricultural infrastructure projects aimed at boosting farmers’ incomes, reducing post-harvest losses, and strengthening the country’s long-term food security.
The MOU aligns with Republic Act No. 7900 and forms part of the government’s broader push to modernize the high-value crops sector through infrastructure-led and market-driven interventions, farm to wholesale food markets and, protected farming under agro-solar environments.
Under the deal, Megawide will support the rollout of agro-solar farming systems that integrate crop production with renewable energy generation. The partnership also covers the construction of food-processing facilities and the establishment of food terminals designed to improve logistics, storage, and distribution efficiency across agricultural value chains.
The DA said the infrastructure package is expected to cut post-harvest losses by 30 percent to 50 percent, a persistent challenge that has reduced farmer incomes and limited competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.
The project also promotes clustered farming enterprises, enabling smallholders to pool resources, access modern technology, and transition from subsistence farming to commercial-scale agribusiness operations.
The shift is intended to strengthen rural economies and attract private sector investment into agriculture.
The initiative is part of a wider strategy to reposition farmers as agri-entrepreneurs and integrate agriculture with energy, logistics, and industrial systems. It also supports efforts to develop branded, high-value agricultural products for broader market access.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the agreement aligns with Republic Act No. 7900 and forms part of the government’s broader push to modernize the high-value crops sector through infrastructure-led and market-driven interventions, farm to wholesale food markets and, protected farming under agro-solar environments.
“This MOU is a realization of the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a modern and sustainable farm sector for the country’s food security and farmers prosperity,” he said.
In a parallel development, the DA also advanced a separate MOU initiative with the National Power Corp. (Napocor) and Asian Pyrochem Technologies Inc. for “Project SAFE” (Sustainable Agroforestry Farming Enterprise), which will be implemented in watershed areas.
Project SAFE promotes agroforestry production of crops such as cacao, coffee, bamboo, and abaca while integrating carbon financing mechanisms and nature-based solutions. It also introduces innovative business-to-business barter systems aimed at improving farmers’ access to inputs and markets.
The DA said both agreements underscore a coordinated effort to build a more resilient, climate-smart, and market-oriented agriculture sector. The agency added that stronger infrastructure and private sector participation are essential to achieving sustainable food security and improving rural livelihoods nationwide.
