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CAFMech Chairperson Rodolfo Tamayo seeks clarification from the PhilMech team in a Q&A session during the special meeting.

The National Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization (CAFMech) gathered for a high-stakes special meeting to finalize the plan and budget proposals (PBP) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 on February 5, 2026 in Quezon City.

Chaired by Rodolfo Tamayo, the session served as a critical platform for soliciting private-sector inputs prior to the submission of the proposals to oversight agencies.

The discussions centered on bridging infrastructure gaps, boosting productivity, and scaling up the modernization of the country’s agricultural backbone.

PhilMech’s continuous push for modernization

​The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) presented a comprehensive PhP 700 million regular budget proposal for 2027, built on five strategic pillars:

  • ​Boosting productivity through advanced mechanization
  • ​Reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring food safety
  • ​Promoting value-added waste and by-product utilization
  • ​Creating a conducive policy environment for stakeholders
The PhilMech team presents its plan and budget proposals for FY 2027.

PhilMech also outlined the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) targets for 2027–2028. Following a successful Phase 1, which significantly improved land preparation and milling efficiency, PhilMech is seeking PhP 9Billion for 2027. This includes:

  • ​PhP 8.575B for machinery and equipment
  • ​PhP 425M for fabrication, repair, and maintenance centers
  • ​PhP 300M dedicated to Rice Extension Services (RTES)

​BAFE on infrastructure transparency and expansion

A representative from BAFE presented the agency’s FY 2027 plan and budget proposals.

​The Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) underscored its commitment to transparency, highlighting the “FMR Watch” portal launched earlier this year. This digital tool allows for real-time monitoring of Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) construction.

​For 2027, BAFE is proposing a PhP 30B budget for its Tier 1, with an additional PhP 20B for Tier II request for high-priority initiatives, including:

  • ​A nationwide knowledge census for agri-machinery
  • ​Third-party audits of Farm-to-Market roads
  • ​The establishment of regional machinery testing centers
  • ​Pilot testing for emerging mechanization technologies

Taking into account the Committee’s comments and suggestions, PhilMech and BAFE will undertake a review of the recommendations.

Some of the recommendations include forming a Technical Working Group to harmonize mechanization standards, providing a breakdown of local in comparison with imported machinery and other equipment procurement, and conducting a review to eliminate overlapping functions between regional service centers. 

For BAFE, the Committee recommended that future presentations must include budget proposals and plans from all its regional offices. 

The Committee also suggested possible alignment of the Philippine National Standards with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Blue Book in implementing Farm-to-Market Roads, and streamlining DA regulatory requirements to reduce the paperwork burden on suppliers.

The DPWH Blue Book, also known as the Standard Specifications for Public Works and Highways, serves as the primary rulebook that engineers and contractors must follow to ensure that government projects are built safely and to a high standard.

These proposals aim to address long-standing challenges in the agriculture and fishery sector while ensuring the Philippines remains on track toward food security and climate-resilient farming. | Jezebel Campaniel