The Department of Agriculture (DA) reaffirmed its commitment to the establishment of the Korea Agriculture Machinery Industry Complex (KAMIC) in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, signaling a significant step forward in the country’s agricultural modernization efforts.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced Thursday that the project, covering 20 hectares, aims to become the country’s first local manufacturing hub for agricultural machinery. The initiative is part of the Philippine delegation’s recent engagement with the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO), following the signing of a memorandum of understanding in October 2024 with KAMICO and the Cabanatuan City local government.
Envisioned to boost agricultural mechanization, the KAMIC hub is expected to improve productivity, increase farmer incomes, and enhance food security by producing machinery tailored to local needs. The facility is also seen as a catalyst for foreign investment, job creation, and technology transfer, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for a modernized agriculture sector.
Key Korean firms, including Tong Yang Moolsan (TYM) and Asia Tech, expressed strong interest in the venture. TYM, already active in Philippine agri-mechanization efforts, was urged to expand into equipment for high-value crops. Asia Tech, meanwhile, committed to sourcing local materials and customizing machinery designs to meet Philippine farming conditions.
The DA also discussed investment incentives with its Korean counterparts, including a six-year income tax holiday and a reduced corporate tax rate, while working with the Cabanatuan LGU to finalize land lease terms for the project site. A specific project timeline is yet to be announced as feasibility studies continue.
