MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Center for Post-harvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) is backing the recently signed Sagip Saka Act that aims to improve the economic status of local farmers and fisher folks.
The Department of Agriculture-attached agency said it continues to advocate turning farmers into entrepreneurs, by way of technology adoption and assistance in enterprise development.
“We are establishing Regional Technology Management and Demonstration Centers (RTMDCs) that aims to develop agribusiness enterprises and help farmers and entrepreneurs in farm technology adoption, particularly farm mechanization and post-harvest,” said PhilMech executive director Baldwin Jallorina said.
“Definitely, the RTMDCs can perform a role in the programs and projects that will be developed and implemented from the law,” he said.
Among the functions of the PhilMech RTMDCs are offering business advisory and assisting clients in the formation of agribusiness enterprises using the post-harvest and farm mechanization technologies developed by the agency.
Assisted clients will then be referred to enterprises and institutions that are partners of PhilMech in the development, manufacture and distribution of its developed technologies for the farming sector.
Besides standalone or individual technologies, PhilMech has been developing protocols and processes, where technologies produced by the agency are promoted for easier adoption by farmers, cooperatives and agribusiness enterprises.
Initially, three RTMDCs will be established in Camarines Sur, Leyte and Davao this year. A budget of P5 million has been allocated for the establishment of one RTMDC.
Manufacturers of farm equipment can also seek accreditation through the RTMDCs, while the matured farm mechanization technologies of the agency will also be commercialized through the centers.
President Duterte has signed Republic Act 11321 or the Sagip Saka Act establishing the “Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Program” referring to “the comprehensive set of objectives, targets, and holistic approach in promoting the establishment of enterprises involving agricultural and fishery products.”
The law stipulates the creation of the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Council to oversee the proper implementation of its programs and projects.