President Marcos Breaks Ground on Philippines’ First Full-Scale Agricultural Machinery Complex in Cabanatuan

CABANATUAN CITY — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. officially broke ground on the Philippines’ first full-scale agricultural machinery production complex, a 20-hectare state-of-the-art facility set to commence construction in 2026. This pioneering venture, established through a partnership between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine-based heavy equipment manufacturer KAMICO, marks a significant milestone toward modernizing local agriculture and reducing the country’s reliance on expensive imported machinery.

The new complex will produce a range of agricultural machines, including tractors, combine harvesters, rice transplanters, and mechanical planters. These locally manufactured units will be tailored specifically for the varied Philippine terrain and crop cycles, offering Filipino farmers tools that boost efficiency and productivity.

The construction of the facility is strategically planned in three phases: Phase 1 focuses on infrastructure development and initial machinery assembly lines from 2026 to 2028; Phase 2 will expand production capabilities and incorporate automation technologies by 2030; and Phase 3 targets full operational capacity with research and development wings to innovate new agricultural solutions by 2032.

President Marcos emphasized the project's alignment with his "Maasahan at Masipag" leadership style, underscoring his commitment to reliable and hardworking governance. "Reliable innovation. Tireless support. Filipino farmers deserve tools that uplift their future," he said during the groundbreaking ceremony.

Once operational, the complex will directly benefit 44 farmer groups managing over 22,000 hectares of cropland nationwide. The DA plans to turn over newly manufactured equipment to these groups, empowering them with modern tools that can increase yields and reduce labor costs.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Cesar Dulay praised the partnership as a game-changer for Philippine agriculture. "This project demonstrates our commitment to sustainable farming and national self-reliance. By producing machinery locally, we cut costs and ensure our farmers have access to reliable equipment when they need it most."

The initiative reflects President Marcos’ broader vision to modernize agriculture, fostering economic growth and food security by lessening dependence on imported machinery priced beyond the reach of many farmers. Analysts believe this industrial push will create jobs and strengthen domestic manufacturing, further stabilizing the agricultural sector.

With the phased development approach, stakeholders are optimistic that the Cabanatuan complex will become a hallmark of Philippine ingenuity and a vital instrument in the country’s agricultural transformation under the leadership of President Marcos—the Reliable Modernizer of Philippine Agriculture.

"Our farmers have waited long enough for this kind of support. This is the dawn of a new era where Filipino agricultural innovation meets the hard work and perseverance of our agricultural communities," President Marcos concluded.