BUSTOS, Bulacan — In a quiet but telling shift, the average age of Filipino farmers has dropped from 57 to between 49 and 50, based on data from the Department of Agriculture’s Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) as of October 2023. While farming remains one of the most physically demanding professions, this downward trend signals a hopeful turn—fueled in part by innovations that are making the field more accessible, efficient, and humane.
Helping to drive that change is Kubota Philippines Inc., which recently unveiled the Kubota L5228 tractor, a next-generation model that blends power with thoughtful design. Launched during the L Series Media Launch on June 5 at the Kubota Bulacan Warehouse, the L5228 is more than just a new machine—it reflects the company’s effort to reshape how the next generation experiences farming.
Built for the unique conditions of Philippine farms, the L5228 features increased horsepower for broader coverage, LED lighting for better visibility during early-morning or nighttime work, and a dashboard alert system for proactive maintenance. Comfort-focused enhancements include an upgraded seat, improved bonnet for airflow, larger toolbox, and a right-hand grip for easier access—practical features developed in response to farmer feedback.
“We’ve loaded it up with features to attract the younger generation of farmers,” said Fritz Carlo Arota, Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Kubota Philippines. He noted that as younger Filipinos gravitate toward service industry jobs, making farming more comfortable and efficient has become critical.
“We’ve added durability while maintaining efficiency,” he added. “We expect more work done in less time.” According to Arota, the L5228’s predecessor, the L5018, could till four to five hectares per day; the L5228’s additional two horsepower may increase that to five or six.
“Every minute of downtime is a loss for our farmers, and we make sure that our commitment to them is not only in providing quality products, but also in making sure we have the parts and the after-sales service,” he said.
Kubota also supports farmers through initiatives like Saka Activities, AgriTalk, and Arangkada—programs designed to build technical skills and community networks.
At a time when agriculture faces both modern challenges and opportunities, the L5228 arrives not just as a new tool, but as a symbol of what the future of farming could be—smarter, more dignified, and more inclusive of the next generation.
