Will mechanization finally cause a plot twist in the story of Filipino rice farmers?
Part 1
Deus Ex Machina
In ancient Greece, theater viewers often waited for a deus ex machina — literally “a god from the machine” — who would descend from the heavens to resolve the seemingly insurmountable challenges faced by the hero.
In the stage that is Philippine agriculture, mechanization appears to be the divine intervention that farmers have been waiting for. Could it finally turn the tide for the millions of Filipino rice farmers?
Dionisio Alvindia, PhD, a multiawarded scientist who now serves as Director of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), believes so. With the recent passage of the amended Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) that extends and upgrades the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), Alvindia believes mechanization can finally turn the fate of Filipino farmers– the embattled heroes of this real-life play – from the perennial tragedy into victory.
THE BACKSTORY
For generations, Filipino farmers and fisherfolk have been the backbone of the nation, providing food for millions not only in the country but for foreign colonizers. Yet they remain among the Philippines’ poorest sectors.
Alvindia himself witnessed this. “Anak ako ng magsasaka at nakita ko mismo kung papaano magkaroon ng kakulangan sa pagkain. Na-experience ko yung mga panahon na may shortage tayo sa bigas. Nakita ko na ang problema ay nasa paraan ng pagsasaka. Kaya naman nung naging scientist ako, sa pest and diseases ako luminya. Ngayon, nakatutok tayo sa makinarya,” he said.
The Philippine Statistics Authority reports that as of 2023, poverty incidence among agricultural workers was a staggering 31.6%, much higher than the national average. Despite decades of interventions from government and the private sector, the high input costs, insufficient access to modern tools, outdated practices, and the effects of climate change have created what could only be described as a perfect storm.
The mechanization of Philippine agriculture has been in the process for decades. When the Americans took over from the Spaniards in the turn of the 20th century, they brought in innovations such as the tractor-powered “McCormick” stationary rice thresher (“trilladora”) in some areas of the country.
Between 1950 to 1970, the hand tractors were introduced, along with the development of the IR8 Miracle Rice variety that paved the way for the Green Revolution. The 1970s ushered the arrival of the axial-flow thresher developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Masagana 99 of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. which was in response to the rice shortage that happened early that decade due to a series of typhoons that inundated the rice-producing Central Luzon region..
Alvindia was a young boy in Quezon town in Nueva Ecija at that time. “Kahit may pera ka, wala ka pa ring mabibiling bigas,” he recalled. It was then that Alvindia saw a vision of a rice-sufficient Philippines, with farmers proudly playing their role.
From heading the DA’s Biotechnology Program, Alvindia was made Director of PhilMech in 2022 and there he immediately ramped up the implementation of the mechanization component of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) which facilitated the distribution of tractors, irrigation pumps, transplanters and seeders, reapers, threshers and combine harversters to rice farmers across the country.
THE VISION OF MECHANIZATION
Prior to the RCEF, the Philippines enacted in 2013 the Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization Law which outlined the vision of introducing machines to farmers and fisherfolk who still relied on manual labor and farm animals, while global competitors already employed precision agriculture technologies and automated machinery. This vision is wahat Alvindia wanted to accomplish.
“Ang pangarap ko ay ang makita ang mga magsasaka natin na hindi na lumulusong sa bukid. Sa pamamagitan ng mga makina, puwede na sila magsaka kahit nakasapatos,” he said. “Panahon na para makalaya ang ating mga magsasaka sa hirap ng pagtatrabaho sa bukid.”
Alvindia said that the level of mechanization prior to RCEF was at a modest 1.2 horsepower (HP) per hectare, which is an indicator of how much of the work is being done through machines
“The estimate is 1 horsepower is equivalent to 25 percent of the work,” he said. This mechanization rate has more than doubled to 2.7 HP per hectare two years after RCEF’s introduction, thanks to the the availability of funds for the targeted initiatives.
PhilMech has adopted a holistic approach, integrating mechanization at every stage of the agricultural value chain—from land preparation and planting to harvesting, drying, and milling.
Alvindia emphasized that this distribution is data-driven. “We aim to avoid oversupply and ensure that resources are allocated based on actual needs,” he explained. Updated statistics for 2024, set for release early 2025, will offer a clearer picture of the program’s impact.
Yet, Alvindia said the adoption of specific technologies, such as transplanters, remains low.
“Many farmers struggle with seedling mat preparation, leading to issues like missing hills during planting,” Alvindia said. To address these challenges, PhilMech is intensifying its training programs for beneficiaries. Additionally, they are rolling out precision direct seeders and drone-assisted planting methods, coupled with adjustments to planting distances to maximize yield.
FUTURE OF MECHANIZATION
One of the primary focuses of the amended RCEF is post-harvest technology. Alvindia notes that the program is expanding to cover drying and milling equipment.
“If farmers are the ones drying and milling their rice, they can increase their income by 30%,” he explains. To ensure that farmers reap the full benefits of mechanization, PhilMech is providing dryers and millers to Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs).
Alvindia’s vision for the future is grounded in his own experiences as a child of a farming family in Nueva Ecija. “During periods of rice shortages, I saw firsthand how farming productivity was directly tied to how effectively a farm was managed,” he recalls. This realization led him to pursue a career in agriculture, driven by the goal of empowering farmers to become financially independent and respected in society.
“We want to shift the paradigm,” Alvindia asserts. “Farmers should not be looked down upon. They play a vital role in feeding the nation. Through mechanization, we are showing young people that farming can be a dignified and profitable career.”
Part 2
RCEF 2.0: The Plot Twist
As the first phase of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) concludes in 2024, the Philippine government is gearing up for an even more ambitious phase—RCEF 2.0. Set to begin in 2025, this expanded initiative promises to further modernize the country’s rice sector, with a larger budget, broader coverage, and new sustainability-driven components that will benefit Filipino farmers, improve productivity, and address the impacts of climate change.
According to Director III Joel Dator, Interim Director for Operations and Program Management at the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), RCEF 2.0 is poised to make a transformative impact on Philippine rice farming.
“Sa RCEF 1.0, nagbigay tayo ng mga traktora, transplanter, reaper, thresher, at combine harvester. Sa RCEF 2.0, ang pokus natin ay sa mga drying at milling facilities, na mas mahalaga para sa pagbabawas ng postharvest losses at pagpapabuti ng kalidad ng palay,” Dator said, emphasizing the program’s focus on reducing postharvest losses and improving rice quality.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND IMPACT
RCEF 1.0, which ran from 2019 to 2024, was a pivotal program aimed at modernizing the rice sector through an annual budget of P10 billion. Half of this was allocated to mechanization through PhilMech, while the other half funded seed distribution under the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). Over the course of its implementation, RCEF 1.0 achieved significant milestones, including the distribution of 27,651 agricultural machines to over 6,500 farmers’ cooperatives and local government units.
Senator Cynthia Villar, who championed the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) that launched RCEF 1.0, lauded the program’s success in reducing production costs, increasing farmer incomes, and improving the overall efficiency of rice farming. According to Villar, the program led to a 10% drop in production costs during the dry season, as well as a 107% income increase for farmers during the dry season between 2019 and 2023.
However, a study by the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) presented a critical viewpoint, highlighting that while RCEF’s initial phase resulted in significant investments, farm productivity improvements were less than expected. Rice production growth slowed after the implementation of the RTL, and farm income remained stagnant for some areas. This discrepancy sparked a call for an in-depth review of the program’s effectiveness.
A MORE COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
RCEF 2.0 aims to address the challenges faced by the first phase and build on its successes. Under the newly amended Rice Tariffication Law, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act 12078, which extends RCEF’s funding until 2031 and triples its annual budget to P30 billion. This budget boost will enable the government to provide stronger support for initiatives such as high-quality seed production, farm mechanization, farmer training, soil health improvement, and pest and disease management.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed confidence in the law’s ability to enhance the rice industry’s competitiveness and boost food security for the Philippines.
“Ang dagdag na pondo para sa modernisasyon ng industriya ng bigas ay makikinabang hindi lamang ang mga magsasaka kundi pati na rin ang ating mga mahihirap na kababayan na nangangailangan ng mas abot-kayang bigas,” said Sec. Tiu Laurel.
With an annual allocation of P6 billion for high-quality rice seeds, P9 billion for mechanization, and P15 billion for other initiatives like soil improvement, solar-powered irrigation systems, and rice farmer financial assistance, RCEF 2.0 is poised to enhance both rice yields and farm productivity.
One of its key goals is to increase mechanization across the country, which will reduce labor costs and time, improve efficiency, and lower production costs. “Ang pinakamalaking indikasyon na ang mga magsasaka natin ay nagiging competitive na ay ang pagbaba ng gastos sa produksyon at ang pagpapababa ng postharvest losses,” Dator pointed out.
SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION
RCEF 2.0 introduces new sustainable farming practices aimed at addressing both environmental concerns and production efficiency. Among these are composting and soil conditioning programs to improve soil health, integrated pest and disease management systems to protect crops from recurring threats, and solar-powered irrigation systems to optimize water use.
“These initiatives will help our farmers not only become more productive but also more resilient to the changing climate,” Dator explained.
EMPOWERING UPLAND FARMERS AND ENSURING TRANSPARENCY
RCEF 2.0 also focuses on the needs of upland farmers, who face unique challenges in terms of labor intensity and terrain. Lightweight, portable machines that are easier to use in steep areas will be provided to increase productivity and ease the burden of labor.
“Sa mga upland na lugar, mas matindi ang labor na kailangan at mas mahirap magtrabaho. Kaya’t ang mga maliliit at magaan na makina ay malaking tulong para sa kanila,” Dator added.
Transparency is a key focus of RCEF 2.0, with PhilMech taking measures to ensure that the distribution of resources is fair and accountable. Bidding processes for equipment and machinery will be livestreamed on Facebook, allowing the public to monitor the process in real-time.
“Mapapanood po nila ang bidding real time. Kahit ang pagbukas ng mga bidding envelope ay ipapalabas namin. Tinitiyak nito ang pagiging patas at transparent ng proseso,” Dator emphasized.
BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR FARMERS
With the launch of RCEF 2.0, the government aims to empower Filipino farmers with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive and climate-challenged world. The goal is to increase mechanization and modernize the rice sector, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and ensure food security for the Filipino people.
“Ngayon lang po tayo umusad uli dahil sa RCEF. Dati, hindi kayang bumili ng ating mga magsasaka ng mga makinang nagkakahalaga ng mahigit isang milyong piso. Ngayon, libre na po ito,” Dator concluded, highlighting the importance of the program in leveling the playing field for Filipino farmers.
As RCEF 2.0 rolls out this 2025, its comprehensive approach promises not only to elevate the rice industry but also to provide a sustainable path toward greater food security and economic prosperity for the nation.
Part 3
Changing Mindsets
Farmers in the Philippines are increasingly aware of the benefits of mechanization. However, outdated farming practices and misconceptions continue to hinder their full embrace of modern technologies. Jett Molech Subaba, head of PHilMech’s Applied Communications Division, highlighted this challenge: “Marami na sa kanila ang gumagamit ng traktora pero kokonti ang gumagamit ng transplanters. Kasi akala nila mas konti ang natatanim dahil malalayo ang spacing between each hill. Ang hindi nila alam, kailangan ng palay ng space para mas lumaki at mamunga.”
To address these misconceptions, PHilMech conducts advocacy campaigns featuring farmers who have already reaped the benefits of mechanization. Subaba emphasized, “Sino pa ba ang puwedeng mag-convince sa kanila kundi kapwa farmer din nila?”
One such advocate is Christian Roque Magsino, a 30-year-old farmer and former PHilMech engineer from Santiago, Isabela. Magsino transformed his grandfather’s six-hectare rice farm into a fully mechanized operation, consistently achieving yields of 9 to 10 metric tons of palay per planting season. Despite his success, Magsino acknowledged the need to change the mindset of his own farm workers.
“Karamihan ng farm workers papetiks-petiks lang. Sasabihin nila, eh sa labas puwede na yan. Pero sa akin hindi puwede,” Magsino shared. “Kapag lumusong ako sa bukid at naramdaman ko na matigas pa ang lupa, pinapaulit ko ang land preparation. At hindi ako nagpapatanim kapag hindi pa completely decomposed yung mga scraps from past harvest. Nakakasira kasi yun ng tanim.”
Magsino also noted that many farmers fail to adapt nutrient management practices to their chosen rice variety. “Matakaw po sa fertilizer ang hybrid seeds kaya kailangan regularly nagpe-fertilize ka,” he said. “Eh kung yung farmer nasanay na dalawang beses lang maglagay ng abono, talagang hindi dadami ang ani niya.”
MEETING GLOBAL STANDARDS
It’s not just farmers who need a mindset shift—local machinery manufacturers also face challenges. PHilMech Director Dionisio Alvindia explained that the agency prioritizes local manufacturers when sourcing machinery for farmer groups. However, these manufacturers often struggle to meet the quality and quantity demands required.
“Ang local manufacturing natin ay all-in-one, which means that each manufacturer makes every part of the machinery—from the biggest part to the smallest turnilyo,” Alvindia said. “This is not the way industrialized countries work. In Japan or Korea, they source out each part from different manufacturers. Kaya sa kanila, malinaw ang quality standard. Dito sa atin, malabo.”
To address this, PHilMech has facilitated training programs for local manufacturers through partnerships with the Korea Agricultural Machinery Cooperative (KAMICO).
KOREA-PHILIPPINE CONNECTION
A significant step toward modernization is the establishment of the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Complex (KAMIC), led by Engr. Raymund Joseph Macaranas. This project aims to build the local capability to produce high-quality agricultural machinery through a phased approach:
- Phase 1: Assembling machinery in knocked-down form from Korea, exposing Filipino manufacturers to global standards.
- Phase 2: Localizing parts production.
- Phase 3: Designing and manufacturing machinery tailored to local needs.
Set to break ground on a 20-hectare site in March, KAMIC reflects the long-term vision of creating a self-sustaining agricultural machinery industry.
Complementing KAMIC is the Agricultural Machinery Design and Prototyping Center (AMDPC), a facility developed in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Under PHilMech’s Agricultural Mechanization Division, AMDPC supports local manufacturers in developing innovative technologies to address farmers’ unique challenges.
PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR FARMERS
PHilMech’s Research and Development team continues to deliver practical tools and machinery that reduce labor and improve efficiency:
- Grain Probe Moisture Meter (“Buriki”): A digital device that accurately measures moisture content in paddy and corn.
- Copra Moisture Meter: A portable, award-winning device for coconut farmers.
- Cassava Digger: A tractor-drawn implement that reduces labor requirements from 20 to six workers per hectare.
Emerging technologies include a small baler for hay and straw, a four-row cassava planter, a coffee sorter, and a banana hole digger.
ATTRACTING THE YOUTH
Subaba says one of the biggest benefits of mechanization is its ability to attract the youth to farming.
“Young people are now more interested in farming because of these machines,” he said.
And Subaba is not waiting for the youth to come to them; they’re going to schools to promote mechanization.
“We also send invite students from Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) courses to PhilMech for internships, where they can experience firsthand the planting process with machinery,” he shares. This hands-on experience is crucial for shaping the next generation of farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.
Subaba highlights the progress made in the last few years.
“The average age of rice farmers has dropped from 57-59 to around 40. The youth are seeing farming as a viable business, especially with the introduction of mechanized tools like tractors and transplanters. With these machines, even farmers in slippers can now plant their crops,” he says with a smile.
BRIDGING THE GAP
Through advocacy campaigns, training programs, and innovative technologies, PHilMech is bridging the gap between farmers and mechanization. These efforts are helping the Philippine agricultural sector overcome labor shortages, postharvest losses, and inefficiencies—ultimately paving the way for a more productive and self-reliant future.
The story of Philippine agriculture is far from over, but mechanization is poised to play the role of the deus ex machina—the plot device that resolves seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Director Dionisio Alvindia’s vision of a mechanized, efficient, and empowered agricultural sector is steadily coming to life. Through RCEF 2.0, farmers will gain access not only to modern machinery but also to comprehensive support systems, including training and cooperative models. By integrating mechanization across the agricultural value chain, PhilMech is addressing bottlenecks from land preparation to postharvest processing.
Yet, the success of mechanization hinges on overcoming barriers like the resistance to new technologies and the need for a cultural shift among farmers. As PhilMech Director Dionisio Alvindia aptly noted, “It’s one thing to provide machines; it’s another to ensure that farmers know how to use and maintain them.”
In the grand narrative of Philippine agriculture, mechanization is proving to be the game-changing intervention that could lead to a brighter, more sustainable future. Like the deus ex machina of ancient Greek plays, it descends at a critical moment, offering hope, resolution, and the promise of a better ending for Filipino farmers.
END