Gov. Edduba: Farm mechanization no longer optional, it is key to securing Kalinga's agricultural future

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Governor James S. Edduba has underscored that agricultural mechanization is no longer an option but a necessity if Kalinga is to sustain its role as the "Rice Granary of the Cordillera" and ensure long-term food security amid growing challenges faced by farmers.

The governor's message, delivered by Provincial Legal Officer John Paul Baguiwan, highlighted the importance of equipping Kalinga's farmers with modern agricultural technologies during the opening of the first-ever Kalinga Mechanization Roadshow held Tuesday, July 28, at the Kalinga Sports Center.

In his message, Edduba expressed the Provincial Government's gratitude to the Department of Agriculture, its partner agencies, and the Republic of Korea for bringing modern farm technologies closer to Kalinga's farming communities.

"On behalf of the Province of Kalinga, I extend our sincere gratitude to the Department of Agriculture under the leadership of Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and to the DA-CAR for your unwavering support in modernizing our agricultural sector. We also warmly welcome our Korean partners, whose expertise and collaboration continue to provide our farmers with access to world-class agricultural technologies," Edduba said.

Mechanization vital to Kalinga's future

The governor emphasized that Kalinga's identity as the region's rice granary carries a responsibility that goes beyond producing rice—it requires preparing farmers to meet the demands of modern agriculture.

He noted that while the province's fertile lands and hardworking farmers have long contributed significantly to the Cordillera's rice supply, agriculture is facing increasing pressures brought about by labor shortages, rising production costs, and the effects of climate change.

According to Edduba, these realities make agricultural mechanization essential for sustaining productivity and ensuring that farming remains profitable and resilient for future generations.

"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," he said.

Edduba stressed that introducing farm machinery is not simply about replacing traditional methods but about giving farmers the tools they need to work more efficiently, lower production costs, minimize post-harvest losses, and remain competitive in an evolving agricultural sector.

Farmers urged to maximize modern technology

The governor also called on farmers to make full use of the machinery and technologies introduced during the roadshow, emphasizing that responsible use and proper maintenance would ensure that the equipment benefits not only individual farmers but entire communities.

"To our farmers, I encourage you to maximize these opportunities by using and maintaining these machines responsibly. Let these become instruments of progress that will benefit not only our farms but also your entire communities," he said.

Provincial government assures continued support

Beyond the roadshow, Edduba reaffirmed the Provincial Government's commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector through continued investments in programs, infrastructure, and innovations that improve farm productivity and uplift the lives of farmers.

"Rest assured that the Provincial Government of Kalinga will always stand with and support our farmers. We remain committed to investing in programs, infrastructure, and innovations that strengthen agricultural productivity," he added.

The Kalinga Mechanization Roadshow, which runs until July 29, is organized by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) in partnership with the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO), the Department of Agriculture–Cordillera Administrative Region, the Provincial Government of Kalinga, the City Government of Tabuk, Kalinga State University, and Fit Corea Trading Philippines.

The event features modern agricultural machinery and equipment designed to help farmers improve farm operations, increase efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, and embrace technologies that will strengthen Kalinga's position as the Cordillera's leading rice-producing province.