By Kenneth Marcos 
For many Filipino farmers, modern machines can mean faster harvests, lower costs, and better harvest quality. But before these machines can be widely used, they must follow national safety and performance standards. To address delays in setting these rules, the government has introduced a new system to speed up the process.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has released Memorandum Circular No. 4, Series of 2026, which sets a clearer and more transparent process for evaluating and prioritizing proposals for Philippine National Standards (PNS) related to agricultural and fisheries mechanization. The policy was signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and took effect immediately.
The new guidelines aim to address long-standing delays in the development and updating of machinery standards used in farming and fishing operations. Standards are important because they ensure that equipment such as tractors, harvesters, dryers, and fishing tools meet safety, quality, and efficiency requirements.
Under the circular, government agencies and stakeholders must now follow a structured system when submitting and reviewing proposals for new or updated standards. The process includes clear assessment procedures and prioritization criteria to determine which proposals should be addressed first.
Officials said the new framework will help ensure that standards are developed based on the actual needs of farmers, fishers, and industry players. It also aligns machinery standards with national priorities for agricultural modernization and food security.
The guidelines were developed through consultation with industry stakeholders and government partners. The initiative is also supported by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), particularly through the National Sectoral Committee on Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (CAFMech). The committee earlier approved Resolution No. 23, Series of 2025, which called for a more organized review process for mechanization-related standards.
Through the new system, proposals for Philippine National Standards can now undergo systematic review for development, amendment, or revision. This ensures that outdated standards can be updated and that new technologies can be evaluated more quickly.
Mechanization has become an important part of improving farm productivity in the Philippines. With the right machinery, farmers can reduce manual labor, save time, and improve crop yields. For fishers, improved equipment can support better harvesting, processing, and post-harvest operations.
However, experts say that without proper standards, the use of machinery may lead to safety risks, inefficient equipment, or inconsistent product quality. National standards help protect farmers and fishers by ensuring that machines are tested and meet proper technical requirements.
The Department of Agriculture said the circular will strengthen nationwide mechanization programs by ensuring that standards development becomes more timely, strategic, and transparent. By improving the process, the government hopes to accelerate the adoption of modern farming technologies that can help boost food production.
Agriculture remains a major source of livelihood for millions of Filipinos. Modernizing the sector through better technology and standards is seen as a key step toward improving farm productivity and strengthening the country’s food supply.
With the new guidelines now in place, agencies and stakeholders are expected to work more closely in developing machinery standards that will support the continued growth and modernization of Philippine agriculture and fisheries.
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