Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Philippine Center for Postharvest
Development and Mechanization
CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

NEWS STORIES

PHilMech features its key programs at Negoshow 2024
by Vina D. Pallar (September 22, 2024)
To boost farmers' productivity and market success, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) highlights its pivotal programs, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), and Youth for Mechanization (Y4M) at the Negoshow 2024, held from September 19 to 21 at LCC Mall Sabang in Naga City, Camarines Sur.

Maria Fe Mariscal, station manager of Radyo Natin 89.5 Naga, emphasized the importance of this initiative, "This Negoshow is more than just a gathering of businesses and government agencies; it is a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that propels our economy. It encourages pushing boundaries, exploring new frontiers, and strengthening connections between businesses, industries, and markets."

This event served as a platform for PHilMech to showcase its latest agricultural technology and mechanization innovations, enhance farmers' productivity, and enable them to produce market-ready, high-quality products.

The RCEF aims to provide Filipino rice farmers with the necessary tools and training to improve their income and reduce production cost. The CFIDP focuses on strengthening the coconut industry through modern practices and technologies ensuring the long-term viability of our coconut farmers that enhance their productivity and livelihood.

Meanwhile, the Y4M also garnered attention in a forum held at the event. This program seeks to engage the younger generation in agriculture by providing training and opportunities through modern farming techniques and machinery.

“Naisip ng PHilMech na simulan ang isang programa na may dalawang adhikain: Una, i-rebrand ang imahe ng agrikultura sa mga kabataan, at pangalawa, bumuo ng mga network sa iba’t ibang skill based pagdating sa mechanization (PHilMech thought of starting a program with two objectives: First, to rebrand the image of agriculture among the youth, and second, to build networks in various mechanization related skills),” said Mr. Jett Molech Subaba, supervising science research specialist of Applied Communication Division. This sentiment captures the essence of involving the youth in the success of the agricultural industry. “Totoong kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan at kinabukasan nating lahat (The youth are truly the hope of the nation and the future of us all),” he added.

Warren Joseph Dollente, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) of the local government of Libmanan, Camarines Sur, expressed that the Y4M is crucial in modernizing agriculture and empowering the next generation of farmers. He noted that this advocacy campaign could be a game-changer by providing young individuals with access to advanced machinery and training, PHilMech is enhancing productivity and making farming more attractive and viable as a career choice for the youth.

Negoshow highlighted PHilMech's ongoing efforts to advance agricultural mechanization and reinforced the organization's dedication to supporting Filipino farmers. As the event concluded, the message was clear: with the right tools and knowledge, the future of Philippine agriculture is bright and promising.