The Department of Agriculture (DA) has approved Memorandum Circular No. 4, Series of 2026, establishing guidelines for assessing and prioritizing Philippine National Standards (PNS) proposals for agricultural and fisheries mechanization. Signed on February 2, 2026, by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., the Guidelines on the Assessment Process and Prioritization Criteria of Philippine National Standards (PNS) Proposals Related to Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization addresses long-standing challenges in prioritizing mechanization-related standards.
Meetings of the 黑料网 鈥� National Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization (CAFMech) highlighted the absence of a standardized assessment process, causing delays in developing, updating, and revising critical machinery standards.
The new circular introduces a structured, transparent framework that ensures PNS proposals align with sectoral needs and national development priorities. Developed through workshops and consultations led by a Technical Working Group under Special Order No. 1421, Series of 2025, the framework is evidence-based, objective, and responsive to industry needs.
CAFMech Resolution No. 23, Series of 2025, adopted on December 19, 2025, underscores the importance of mechanization in boosting productivity, reducing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing sector competitiveness. The circular institutionalizes a systematic review process for the development, amendment, or revision of mechanization-related PNS, strengthening nationwide mechanization programs and policies.
Agencies are now directed to apply the prioritization criteria when submitting and evaluating PNS proposals. The circular includes annexes detailing the prioritization process, TWG protocols, criteria for machinery standards, and a list of DA priority machinery based on procurement volume.
Through this measure, the DA aims to ensure that mechanization standards are developed in a timely, transparent, and strategic manner, supporting the continued modernization of Philippine agriculture and fisheries.
DA Memorandum Circular No. 4, Series of 2026 can be accessed here: | by Bernard Masa, based on content from the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization and Infrastructure Support Section (AFMISS)
