The mechanical rice transplanter (Photo by the Philippine Rice Research Institute/DOST-PCAARRD) DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the project was focused on improving the gear transmission system of the riding-type rice transplanter, which seeks to cut the cost on labor as well as the farmers’ seed requirement. “This project is part of DOST-MIRDC’s effort to level up farm mechanization capabilities of the country,” he said during his weekly report on Friday, May 21. The DOST-MIRDC and an industry partner, the Rollmaster Machinery and Industrial Services Corp pursued the pro-farmers’ project, he said. “The team of engineers and technicians from the DOST-MIRDC utilized state-of-the-art software to develop the gear design,” he said.