SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, CAMARINES SUR – In a bid to strengthen the enforcement of performance standards of agri machineries being manufactured and sold in the region, the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED) convened the manufacturers, fabricators, assemblers, distributors, dealers, importers and exporters (MFADDIEs) in Bicol thru an online meeting on August 20, 2021.
The organizational meeting was also a manifestation of support to the local agri-machinery industry which is the DA’s key partner in the implementation of the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law (AFMech Law).
Engr. Gilbert Salcedo, OIC Chief of the RAED, said that organizing the MFADDIES is vital for effective collaboration between DA and MFADDIES to easily resolve issues and concerns regarding agricultural mechanization.
Hence, an election of officers of the Association of the MFADDIES was facilitated on the same day. The newly elected officers of the MFADDIES Bicol are: President – Engr. Joel Ordas (GRJC Agri Industrial Machineries), Vice President – Engr. Rey Bien (REB-Greentech Systems Enterprises), Secretary – Niña Monte (MVRN Agri Machineries Enterprises), Treasurer – Lourdes Andes (P.I. Farms), Auditor – Ely Capua (ECA Agri Machineries and Fabricator). Elected Representatives: Manufacturer – Tropics Agro Industries, Fabricator – ECA Agri Machineries, Distributor – Bicol Agri-Machineries Fabricator Inc., Dealer – UTECH Agri Machineries.
To engage in a particular line of activity, these MFADDIEs need to apply for a Permit to Operate (PTO) at the DA RFO 5-RAED. The RAED endorses complete applications to the DA-Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (DA-BAFE) in Quezon City. The PTO which is being issued by the BAFE, is a privilege granted to any MFADDIE to engage in either manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, distribution, dealing, importation, and/or exportation of agri-fishery machinery, after passing the review, inspection, and evaluation being conducted by BAFE. A PTO is valid for 5 years. Application for PTO at this time until October 14, 2021, is free of charge, and starting October 15, application for PTO will cost Php17,500.00As of August 17, a total of 21 companies in the Bicol region already received Permits to Operate.
In Bicol, one (1) agri-machinery Manufacturer was issued with a Permit to Operate, which is Tropics Agro Industries.
Meanwhile, ten (10) Fabricators were issued with PTO, namely: Bicol Agri-Machineries Fabricator Inc.; L. Morallo Agri Mach Fabrication; FVRS Agri Machineries; MCPC Machinery; GRJC Agri Industrial Machineries; Tropics Agro Industries; REB-Greentech Systems Enterprises; Nabua Agri Machineries; ECA Agri Machineries and Fabricator; and Timzel Agricultural Machinery Parts Trading.
Sixteen (16) Dealers were issued with PTO, which are: Newtech Agri Machineries Company Ltd.; Bicol Agri-Machineries Fabricator Inc.; Bicol Agri-Machineries Fabricator Inc. -Ligao Branch; Caben Agri Machineries Center; Ego Enterprises; MVRN Agri Machineries Enterprises; GRJC Agri Industrial Machineries; Magarao General Merchandise; AIMS Agri Ventures, Inc.; Bicol Agri-Machineries Fabricator Inc. -Virac Branch; ADA Manufacturing Corporation; Country Field Engine Parts Supply; Goodtech Engine Parts Supply; Nabua Agri Machineries; ECA Agri Machineries and Fabricator; and Timzel Agricultural Machinery Parts Trading.
On the other hand, two (2) Distributors were issued with PTO, namely: Bicol Agri-Machineries Fabricator Inc. and Tropics Agro Industries.
The government recognizes the important role of the MFADDIES in agricultural development and provides incentives for them. Under the RA 10601 or AFMEch Law (Section 16), local manufacturers and assemblers of agri-fisheries machinery that will venture in manufacturing, fabrication and assembly of agri-fisheries machinery and equipment shall be eligible for loans under the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) under the program of the DA. These businesses shall be granted incentives as long as they are considered registered enterprises engaged in a preferred area of investment pursuant to Article 39 of Executive Order No. 226 as amended.
During the organization meeting, Engr. Louisito Baltazar of RAED discussed the “Promotion and production of locally-made engines and other machinery for agri-fishery purpose” (Section 15), and “Incentives for Local Manufacturers” (Section 16). Engr. Froilan Serrano also of RAED discussed the “Provision of After-sales Service to Farmer clients” (Section 17 of AFMECH law). (LOVELLA P. GUARIN / DA –RAFIS 5)