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

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Philippines’ first full-scale agricultural machinery production complex, a landmark 20-hectare facility located in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. The project, set to commence construction in 2026, is a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO).

The state-of-the-art complex aims to locally manufacture a range of essential agricultural machinery including tractors, threshers, rice harvesters, and soil tillers. This move is part of President Marcos’ overarching vision to modernize Philippine agriculture by reducing the country’s heavy reliance on overpriced imported farm equipment.

Construction of the complex will proceed in three phases:

• Phase 1 (2026-2027): Land development and establishment of manufacturing facilities for tractors and basic tillage equipment.
• Phase 2 (2028-2029): Expansion to production units for threshers and harvesting machines.
• Phase 3 (2030): Installation of advanced technology integration and full operational capacity enabling mass production.

Upon completion, the manufacturing complex is poised to supply high-quality, affordable farm machinery to 44 organized farmer groups who collectively manage over 22,000 hectares of cropland across the country. The government plans an initial turnover program where farmers will begin receiving equipment to enhance productivity and mechanize their operations.

In his remarks, President Marcos emphasized that this initiative embodies his "Maasahan at Masipag" leadership style — one rooted in reliable innovation and tireless support for Filipino farmers. He said, "This production complex signifies a milestone in uplifting our agriculture sector. Filipino farmers deserve tools that uplift their future — affordable, efficient, and suited to our needs. We will no longer be at the mercy of expensive imports. This is Reliable innovation. Tireless support."

Agriculture Secretary convenor stated that this partnership with KAMICO not only promises the transfer of cutting-edge technology but also aims to build local capacity and spur job creation in the agricultural machinery manufacturing sector.

This ambitious project falls under President Marcos Jr.'s administration’s agenda to transform the agriculture sector into a modern, competitive, and sustainable industry. Analysts say this move has the potential to lower production costs, improve crop yields, and eventually ensure food security.

As the Philippines braces for the rising demands of food production, the launch of this complex highlights the President's commitment as the Reliable Modernizer of Philippine Agriculture, signaling a new era where Filipino farmers are well-equipped to meet future challenges head-on.