Another set of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (ABE) from Region II- Cagayan Valley underwent training to become Certified Test Engineers (CTE) through the Refresher Course on Additional Category for Agricultural Machinery under Corn, High-Value Crops, and Organic Agriculture Program that was facilitated by AMTEC resident test engineers (TE) last June 18-21, 2024 at the DA– Southern Cagayan Research Center (DA-SCRC) in Minanga, Iguig, Cagayan.

The training program was co-organized by the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (DA-BAFE) and the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED) of DA-RFO II. In particular, the training focused on testing agricultural machines, such as Disc Harrow, Walking-type Agricultural Tractor-(WTAT) Rotary Tiller, Cassava Granulator, Four-wheel Tractor, and Solar-powered Irrigation System (SPIS).

AMTEC Team was composed of Engr. Romulo E. Eusebio, Engr. Bobby D.G. Ching Jr., and Engr. Ma. Mercedes T. Gumban. The team led the training by providing lectures on the testing of the specific machines, practical demonstration of the testing procedures, and crafting a sample test report. Moreover, the team also conducted learning assessments to culminate the four-day training by administering written and practical examinations. 

The CTE training is pursuant to Section 18 of the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) Law and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and the Department Circular No. 02, Series of 2023 which outlines the significance of agricultural machinery testing and evaluation in the holistic agricultural mechanization program of the country.

Cagayan Valley is one of the top producers of corn, palay, and other high-value crops in the country (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2016). Hence, the mechanization program in the region is crucial to promote the continuous development of the agricultural sector which also requires more experts who will ensure the quality and efficiency of the machines distributed to Filipino farmers.

As the country’s premiere and reference testing center in the field, AMTEC actively supports the government in training new CTEs across the archipelago. Now more than ever, with the increasing demand for agricultural machines, the need for quality assurance is vital to promote increased productivity and food security.

AMTEC remains committed to expanding its services not only through its laboratory and field testing operations but also through research and extension initiatives, in partnerships with national and international institutions. In collaboration with DA-BAFE, AMTEC is set to conduct more CTE training in other Philippine regions.