Resident test engineers from the UPLB Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC), in collaboration with the DA Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE), facilitated a Refresher Course on the Conduct of Performance Testing of Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery and Equipment for test engineers and selected staff in Caraga Region last August 5-8, 2024, at the Grand Palace Hotel, Imadejas, Butuan City. 

The training was organized by the Caraga Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED-XIII) in partnership with the region’s Agricultural Training Institute (ATI-Caraga). It was led by the resource speakers from AMTEC, namely: Engr. Marie Jehosa B. Reyes; Engr. Franklin C. Pajaron; and Glory Yster M. Reginio. They discussed vital topics on testing heated-air mechanical dryer, rice combine harvester, disc plow, disc harrow, and rotary tiller.

Before learning the complex technicalities of testing, the participating agricultural and biosystems engineers (ABE) were given a brief overview of the National Guidelines on Testing and Evaluation of Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery (DA-BAFE) based on D.C. No. 05 Series of 2017 as amended by D.C. No. 10 Series of 2018. 

An informative introduction regarding the Philippine National Standards/ Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standards (PNS/PAES) was also tackled, mainly on specific methods of test, basic instrument use, calibration and maintenance, and test report. Additionally, the trainees were exposed to the actual field test setting through a demonstration and practical application of the knowledge they had gained. 

As the country’s reference testing center for agricultural and fisheries machinery testing, AMTEC plays a crucial role in honing test engineers across the archipelago. Through its technical expertise in the field, the Center is tasked to help boost the knowledge of ABEs in the regions to accelerate the agricultural mechanization program of the government.

Participating CTEs are expected to handle acceptance testing in their respective offices, such as the regional offices, LGUs, HEIs, and SUCs. Apart from improving the smooth distribution of machinery to farmers, this testing is in addition to the AMTEC test which is an additional layer to ensure that all units comply with the standards.

Moreover, with the increasing demand for machines and the ever-evolving innovations in modernizing farming technologies, the need for more CTEs is necessary. UPLB AMTEC, with DA-BAFE and other RAEDs, will continue the CTE training activities in the coming weeks before this year ends. The Center pledges to maintain its commitment to supporting the ongoing and future initiatives for a more holistic and inclusive agricultural mechanization.