1,200 Kalinga, Apayao farmers get hands-on with South Korean smart farming

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — More than 1,200 farmers from the Cordillera, particularly from Kalinga and Apayao, were introduced to South Korea's latest smart farming technologies during the two-day Mechanization Roadshow held at the Kalinga Capitol from July 28 to 29, 2026.

Carrying the theme, "Innovating Cordillera Farms: Bridging Indigenous Heritage with Appropriate Smart Mechanization," the roadshow was jointly organized by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO), DA–Regional Field Office-Cordillera, the Provincial Governments of Kalinga and Apayao, the City Government of Tabuk, Kalinga State University (KSU), and Fit Corea Trading Philippines.

The event showcased modern agricultural machinery and smart farming technologies designed to help Cordillera farmers increase productivity, reduce labor requirements, lower production costs, and improve efficiency, particularly in the region's mountainous farming areas.

PH-South Korea partnership highlighted

During the opening day of the roadshow on July 28, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary for Special Concerns and Official Development Assistance and DA Spokesperson Arnel de Mesa underscored the importance of the long-standing partnership between the Philippines and South Korea.

De Mesa noted that South Korea transformed from a country dominated by small farms into one of the world's leaders in agricultural mechanization. He said the country's experience is now helping the Philippines modernize its agriculture sector through initiatives such as the Mechanization Roadshow.

"Ito ay hindi lamang ugnayan ng dalawang gobyerno, kundi ugnayan ng dalawang bayan na parehong naniniwala na ang pag-unlad ng agrikultura ay pundasyon ng pambansang seguridad, dignidad, at kaunlaran," De Mesa said.

Machines tailored for Cordillera farms

The importance of providing machinery suited to the unique conditions of Cordillera farms was also emphasized in the message of DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn Dawayan, delivered by Regional Technical Director for Operations Engr. Danilo Daguio.

Dawayan said mechanization is not simply about increasing the number of farm machines but ensuring that farmers receive equipment appropriate for the region's terrain and farming conditions.

"In the Cordillera, mechanization is not simply about increasing the number of machines. It is about providing the right machines for the right farms. It is about ensuring that our technologies are suited to our unique landscape, responsive to labor shortages, climate resilient, and capable of reducing production costs while increasing productivity and farmers' income," Dawayan said.

Farmers witness smart technologies in action

Throughout the two-day roadshow, farmers watched live demonstrations of various South Korean agricultural machines designed for farm production and post-harvest operations.

Among the equipment showcased were corn mills, village-type rice mills, brown rice mills, fruit and vegetable dryers, lifting machines, boom sprayers, truck-mounted sprayers, wall sprayers, hose reel sprayers, four-wheel tractors with different implements, precision seeders, cultivators, and other modern farm technologies.

The demonstrations gave participants firsthand knowledge of how mechanization can improve farm productivity and efficiency.

Edduba: Mechanization is a necessity

Governor James S. Edduba described agricultural mechanization as a necessity—not an option—for Kalinga's farming sector.

In a message delivered by Provincial Legal Officer Atty. John Paul Baguiwan, Edduba said sustaining Kalinga's role as the "Rice Granary of the Cordillera" requires equipping farmers with modern technologies that address labor shortages, rising production costs, and the impacts of climate change while strengthening long-term food security.

"As the Rice Granary of the Cordillera, Kalinga carries a vital responsibility in ensuring food security for our region. Our fertile lands and hardworking farmers have long sustained not only our province but have also contributed significantly to the rice supply of the Cordillera.

To sustain this role, we must equip our farmers with modern technologies that enable them to produce more efficiently despite labor shortages, rising production costs, and the challenges posed by climate change. Agricultural mechanization is, therefore, not merely an innovation—it is a necessity for increasing productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and securing the future of our farming communities," Edduba emphasized.

The governor also assured farmers that the provincial government would continue investing in agricultural programs, infrastructure, and innovations to improve productivity and livelihoods.

PhilMech cites returns from mechanization investments

During a press conference at the Kalinga Capitol, Guru Press Cordillera asked PhilMech officials whether the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program should be considered successful based on its actual impact on farmers' livelihoods rather than simply the number of machines distributed.

Responding to the question, PhilMech Director IV Dionisio Alvindia said the program has generated ₱40 billion to ₱60 billion in economic returns from approximately ₱30 billion invested over the past six years.

"For the last six years, the value of mechanization was ₱30 billion. In terms of return, all the returns to the government from this program are valued at ₱40 to ₱60 billion. Yan ang return sa gobyerno nung investment na ₱30 billion for mechanization," Alvindia said.

He added that the figures demonstrate the program's impact beyond the number of machines distributed. According to a report he provided to Guru Press Cordillera, mechanization has reduced production costs, minimized post-harvest losses, increased farmers' incomes, and improved the country's overall level of agricultural mechanization.

Unused machines may be reassigned

Speaking on the final day of the roadshow, July 29, PhilMech Director III Joel Dator said the agency remains committed to providing additional machinery to qualified farmers' organizations.

However, he warned that unused equipment may be withdrawn and reassigned to organizations capable of utilizing it effectively.

"Kung sa tingin niyo po ay kulang pa ang naibigay ng PhilMech, maaari pa po tayong magdagdag. 'Yan po ay puwede nating gawin. Subalit, kung ito naman po ay hindi ninyo napapakinabangan, maaari din po namin iyang bawiin. Sayang naman po kung hindi ninyo ito gagamitin. Maaari natin itong ibigay o i-reaward sa iba pang qualified na mga samahan," Dator said.

Over ₱240M worth of farm machinery delivered

Dator also reported that PhilMech has already distributed more than 200 units of agricultural machinery and equipment worth over ₱240 million to farmers' cooperatives, associations, and local government units in Kalinga.

"Dito po sa Kalinga, kami po ay nakapag-provide na ng mahigit 200 technologies... ito po ay nagkakahalaga ng mahigit ₱240 million na naibigay na ng PhilMech, and ito po ay pinapakinabangan na ng 112 farmers' cooperatives and associations and local government units," he said.

The roadshow concluded with renewed commitments from PhilMech, the provincial government, and partner agencies to accelerate agricultural mechanization in the Cordillera through continued investments, stronger collaboration, additional machinery, and improved after-sales support to help farmers become more productive, competitive, and resilient.