In preparation for the upcoming Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Licensure Examination (ABELE) this December, over 90 BS ABE graduates from the PSABE Region IV-A Review Class of 2024 visited some of the facilities and test equipment of the Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC) on October 15, 2024. 

The aspiring engineers were exposed to the testing setups as a supplemental learning activity for crucial topics in agricultural and biosystems (AB) power, energy, machinery engineering, and other allied subjects. 

In particular, they had the opportunity to roam around the agricultural machinery testing and studies (AMATS) laboratory and listen to AMTEC test engineers who gave brief orientations about the technical processes during testing, which exemplifies some crucial key points in AB machinery. They had a closer look at the testing setups for small engine, walking-type agricultural tractor, agricultural pump, and four-wheel tractor.

The review class is composed of graduates from UPLB and other SUCs across the country. As one of the batch of students hugely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the graduates had limited actual exposure to the practical applications of the theoretical processes in ABE, especially machinery and other related courses. The tour was also an opportunity for them to visualize and grasp better these crucial processes that would likely be included in the examination. 

Apart from the technical knowledge shared by the practicing ABE professionals in AMTEC, the test engineers have also extended their useful tips on how to hopefully pass the exam based on their personal experience. 

In this era when the agricultural sector has been in constant challenges due to the worsening climate change and the demand for food security in the midst of an ever-growing population, the need for more experts in accelerating productivity and ensuring sustainability in our food system is vital. 

AMTEC wishes good luck to the takers of ABELE this December. May you never forget to serve the people, and help our farmers and fisherfolks, in the genuine and ethical practice of ABE.