CABANATUAN CITY — The development of agricultural machinery and equipment suited to local farms, along with about 10,000 job opportunities, are among the projected benefits of the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Complex (KAMIC) set to rise in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.
This was according to Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) Director Dionisio Alvindia following the groundbreaking ceremony of the first facility in the Philippines dedicated to assembling and manufacturing agricultural machinery, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Alvindia noted that the project is anticipated to have a ripple effect on farmers, potentially increasing productivity and income, which would positively impact the country’s economy.
“Ang PHilMech naman, laging sinasabi nga natin, ay nag-iisip kung anong magandang technology ang pupwede sa ating mga farmers para lalong mapaganda ang kanilang kita. At umasa kayo na itong KAMIC na ito ay ganun din ang layunin — para makapag-design at makapag-develop ng mga makina na naaangkop para sa ating Filipino farmers (At PHilMech, as we always say, we think about what technologies are best suited for our farmers to help improve their income. You can expect that KAMIC has the same goal — to design and develop machinery that is appropriate for Filipino farmers),” Alvindia said.
Cabanatuan City Mayor Myca Elizabeth Vergara emphasized the project’s significance, particularly the first 15 agricultural machinery factories planned for the initial phase, and their potential to generate jobs that will strengthen the labor force.
She expressed gratitude to President Marcos Jr., stating, “napakalaking bagay po nito dahil more than ayuda, ang dala nito ay programa. Ang programa kasi araw-araw mo mapapakinabangan, and yun talaga ang pinakaimportante sa bawat Pilipino (this is very significant because it is more than just aid; it brings a program. The program is something you can benefit from every day, and that is what is truly important for every Filipino).”
The KAMIC project is a collaboration among the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the city government of Cabanatuan.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, President Marcos Jr. acknowledged the contributions of the Korean partners.
“To our Korean partners, thank you for believing that the Philippines is worth investing in. Thank you for trusting the Filipino farmer and for taking part in our shared progress. Kamsahamnida. Our partnership together brings technology and hope to these individuals who nourish and who sustain us. I assure you that the government will continue to promote policies to protect your investments here in the Philippines,” the Chief Executive said.
Construction of the KAMIC complex will begin in 2026 on a 20-hectare local government-owned property in Barangay Kalikid Sur, a site jointly approved by the DA and Cabanatuan City.
The nine-year construction plan will unfold in three phases: SKD Assembly, CKD Assembly, and Manufacturing Assembly.
The total estimated investment for the facility is USD 100 million, comprising USD 80 million from Korean investors and USD 20 million from the Philippine government through the DA and the city government of Cabanatuan.
Alongside the groundbreaking, the DA—through PHilMech and its Regional Field Office in Central Luzon—also turned over and distributed interventions to farmer-beneficiaries in the region.
These interventions include agricultural machinery and equipment expected to benefit 44 farmer cooperatives and associations.
Additionally, hybrid seeds and foliar inputs were distributed to support 22,103 hectares of hybrid rice for dry season cropping in 2025-2026.
