Republic Act (RA) 10601, the “Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) Law,” was signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on June 5, 2013, to encourage farmers and fisherfolk to use modern, cost-effective, and environment-friendly equipment as well as adopt new post-harvest technologies to enhance productivity. The law, a consolidation of Senate Bill 338 and House Bill 6548, was approved during the bicameral conference on March 16, 2013. Republic Act 10601 mandates the crafting of a National Agri-Fishery Mechanization Program by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to promote an environment conducive to local assembling and manufacturing of equipment for agricultural and fisheries production, processing, and marketing. The program will include research grants, credit, regulation, and local development and manufacture of machinery. It will set quality, safety, and performance standards as well as guidelines for registering ownership of machinery. Agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment will be tested and evaluated by government, with owners registering them with the agriculture offices of local government units.

Alcala, P. J. (2013, June 22). Boosting agri-fishery mechanization in Philippines. Manila Bulletin, p. 11.