In a powerful demonstration of commitment to agricultural progress, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. spearheaded a dual celebration on June 30, 2025, distributing cutting-edge farm machinery to Nueva Ecija’s rice farmers while honoring the country’s top agricultural innovators at the 50th Gawad Saka Awards.
The event underscored the administration’s vision: transforming subsistence farming into profitable agribusiness through technology, investment, and recognition.
Photo Courtesy: Department of Agriculture
P95.1-Million Farm Machinery to Revolutionize Rice Farming
At the heart of the initiative was the turnover of P95.1 million worth of agricultural machinery, a game-changing investment for Nueva Ecija, the Philippines’ rice granary. The package includes:
- A state-of-the-art Rice Processing System (RPS) (worth P64 million), featuring a rice mill and two recirculating dryers
- 16 combine harvesters
- A four-wheel tractor and a cultivator (totaling P31.1 million)
These resources will benefit over 6,000 farmers cultivating nearly 10,000 hectares of rice fields, enabling them to mill, dry, package, and market their own produce. This shift not only reduces post-harvest losses but also increases profit margins by giving farmers direct control over their product quality.
Funded through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), the rice mill can process 2–3 metric tons of palay per hour, while each dryer handles 12 metric tons per batch.
“This isn’t just machinery—it’s the lifeline of a more modern, self-reliant agriculture sector,” declared Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. He also announced that the RCEF budget will triple to P30 billion from 2026 to 2031, expanding similar programs to other rice-producing provinces.
Gawad Saka 2025: Celebrating Agricultural Excellence
Alongside the machinery distribution, the 50th Gawad Saka Awards honored 43 outstanding farmers, fisherfolk, researchers, youth advocates, and institutions who have driven innovation in Philippine agriculture. Winners received project grants and cash awards ranging from P150,000 to P3 million, recognizing their contributions to sustainable farming, technological adoption, and community resilience.
Their stories served as a testament to the bold evolution of Philippine agriculture—one that embraces science, inclusivity, and enterprise.
Mobile Soil Labs Bring Science to the Fields
Adding another layer of modernization, President Marcos inaugurated 16 mobile soil laboratories—one for each region—to provide real-time soil analysis directly to farmers. Since its pilot launch in Region III (Central Luzon) in December 2024, the first mobile lab has:
- Served 1,500 farmers across 42 municipalities
- Issued 362 soil-health cards
- Developed five fertility maps
These labs help farmers optimize fertilizer use, boost yields, and reduce input costs—key steps toward food security and farm profitability.
Revitalized NFA Warehouse Strengthens Food Security
In nearby Cabanatuan City, the National Food Authority (NFA) reopened a P17.9-million refurbished warehouse with a 193,000-bag rice storage capacity. The upgraded facility enhances the country’s buffer-stocking system while ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their palay.
A New Era for Philippine Agriculture
The day’s events in Nueva Ecija sent a clear message: Agricultural modernization is no longer a distant promise—it is happening now.
With tractors rolling, awards inspiring, and labs going mobile, the Marcos administration is turning countryside potential into national progress. As Filipino farmers gain access to technology, funding, and recognition, the path toward a self-sufficient, competitive, and prosperous agricultural sector becomes ever clearer.
For a nation built on the sweat of its farmers, this is more than policy—it’s a revolution in the fields.
Source: Department of Agriculture
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