The Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC) hosted the meeting of the Technical Working Group on Power Tillers of the Asian and Pacific Network for Testing of Agricultural Machinery (ANTAM). The ANTAM is an initiative led by UNESCAP-CSAM (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific – Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization) that aims to harmonize testing standards for agricultural machinery in the Asia-Pacific region. The ANTAM Standard Codes promote the use of safe, efficient, and environmentally-sound agricultural machinery in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (http://antam.un-csam.org/). The meeting was held at the Roberto C. Bautista Hall, Pili Drive, UP Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna last 24-28 July 2023 and was sponsored by UNESCAP-CSAM, ANTAM, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

The opening program of the meeting was attended by Dr. Rossana Marie C. Amongo (Dean, CEAT-UPLB) represented by Dr. Marion Lux Y. Castro, Mr. Jeong Seong-lim (KOAT, Korea, ANTAM Chair), Mr. Marco Silvestri (Programme Officer, UNESCAP-CSAM), and Ms. Noriko Sato (Senior Natural Resources Specialist, ADB). Other participants include TWG members (Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, Turkey, Thailand, China); Dr. Sandro Liberatori (ANTAM Technical Reference Unit); UNESCAP-CSAM staff; presenters (DA-BAFE, DA-BAFS, DTI-PAB, Thai Industrial Standards Institute); and observers (Zantander Engineering, Super Trade Machinery Global, Inc., B and L Machinery and Manufacturing Corp., Punjab Agriculture Department). Engr. Marie Jehosa B. Reyes of AMTEC and Engr. Mark Twain A. Limbo of BAFE is the current Chair and Co-chair of the ANTAM TWG on power tillers.

During the meeting, the ANTAM Codes on Mini Tillers and ANTAM Quality Manual were reviewed, discussed, and endorsed. Demonstration of the items in the Test Codes on Power Tillers were presented to the participants including the other testing facilities of AMTEC. Moreover, sharing sessions on the management of testing facilities and regulations for certification and accreditation of stations were led by Punjab Agriculture Department (Pakistan), Nepal, Bhutan, Korea, China, and the Philippines. Representatives from national government agencies also gave an overview of their office’s role and involvement in the development and implementation of Philippine national standards for agri-fisheries machinery. The DA-BAFE was represented by Engr. Trishia O. Flores, while Dr. Gari Pellinor U. Hernandez and Engr. Joshua G. Villanueva represented DA-BAFS. The Director of the DTI-Philippine Accreditation Bureau, Mr. James E. Empeno, also presented during the said session.

A visit to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Los Baños, Laguna (Rice Gene Bank and postharvest and mechanization facilities); Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), Bicutan, Taguig City; and the manufacturing plant of PI Farm Products, Inc. in Valenzuela City (manufacturer of power tiller) was also conducted.

Facilities Visit at International Rice Research Institute

Plant Visit at PI Farm Products, Inc. in Maysan, Valenzuela City