According to the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), agricultural mechanization and climate-resilient technologies can help Filipino farmers better cope with the worsening impacts of climate change.
Speaking at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Training of Trainers held in Naga City, Camarines Sur from May 5 to 7, 2025, Jett Subaba of PhilMech emphasized the importance of modern technologies in building climate resilience among farmers. Representing PhilMech Director Dionisio Alvindia, Subaba noted that technology must evolve alongside farmers’ needs, especially as traditional tools become outdated in the face of extreme weather events and changing growing conditions.
“Resilience should not be limited to farmers alone — our technologies must also adapt to current and future challenges,” Subaba said.
Under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Mechanization Program, PhilMech has rolled out climate-smart tools such as four-wheel tractors with Tier 3 engines, disc plows, levee makers, and front loaders. These are designed to support timely farm operations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Other equipment like biomass furnaces with mechanical dryers, precision seeders, and combine harvesters help farmers adapt to limited water supply and unpredictable weather.
Additionally, PhilMech introduced innovations like the fluidized bed dryer for high-moisture palay, the grain probe moisture meter for better postharvest decisions, and commercialized bio-control agents that strengthen crops against typhoons and drought.
Farmers were encouraged to organize into cooperatives to access these technologies and participate in the RCEF program. The Youth for Mechanization campaign was also highlighted, aiming to inspire the next generation to pursue agriculture and ensure long-term food security.
The training, conducted in partnership with the FAO and the Adapting Philippine Agriculture (APA) to Climate Change project, targeted rice farmers from Minalabac, Camarines Sur. It focused on the practical use of climate data and resilient technologies in daily farming practices.
This initiative marks a significant step toward safeguarding livelihoods and strengthening the agricultural sector’s capacity to thrive amid climate challenges by equipping farmers with modern tools and knowledge.
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