PhilMech to open 3 tech centers

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture is set to open three regional technology management and demonstration centers that will commercialize technologies, offer training to farmers on mechanization, and create more agribusiness enterprises in the rural areas.

DA-attached agency Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) said the three centers, which cost P5 million each, are strategically located in every island of the country.

PhilMech chief science research specialist Rod Estigoy said the first center will be opened in Pili, Camarines Sur next month, another in Abuyog, Leyte by March, and the one in Davao will be operational towards the end of the year.

“The purpose is to put applicable prototypes of machineries in every region. We will also accredit local manufacturers and teach extension workers and farmers,” Estigoy said.

“This will also serve as an information hub that will offer regular training courses every quarter and lodge satellite learning centers,” he added.

PhilMech plans to put up technology centers in all major regions before the end of the administration.

Furthermore, the centers will allow farmers to gain easy access to information and technology services.

It will also offer business advisory and assist clients in the formation of agribusiness enterprises using the post-harvest and farm mechanization technologies developed by the agency.