Dr. Arthur L. Fajardo, AMTEC Director, successfully presented a research paper on agricultural pumps and pumpsets along with international experts and practitioners in the field of agricultural engineering during the AgEng 2024 conference at the Agricultural University of Athens in Greece last July 1-4, 2024. 

Around 350 participants from approximately 35 countries across the globe participated in the event, with 225 oral and 120 poster presentations in six parallel sessions. Dr. Fajardo presented the research paper entitled: “Performance Evaluation of Different Pumps and Pumpsets for Agricultural Application,” which was also co-authored with Engr. Charleen Grace V. Deniega and other AMTEC resident engineers (Fatima Joy R. Aying, Marie Jehosa B. Reyes, Jerson Jose T. Menguito, Yaminah Mochica M. Pinca). 

In addition, Dr. Fajardo also presented a poster paper entitled: “Hydraulic Performance Evaluation of Low-cost Gravity-fed Drip Irrigation Systems Under Falling Head Conditions” which was co-authored with Asst. Prof. Camille G. Martinez, Engr. Henry Mark Q. Binahon, Asst. Prof. Jeffrey A. Gonzales, and Dr. Victor B. Ella. These presentations were funded by the DOST-Engineering Research and Development for Technology, UP Los Baños.

The Philippines was also represented by UPLB Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development (OVCPD) Dr. Rossana Marie C. Amongo, and Engr. Jordan L. Abad, Director of Ilocos Sur DOST Provincial Science & Technology Office. 

AgEng 2024 is an international conference that gathers experts, scientists, and professionals to exchange knowledge, present innovations, and discuss the current state and sustainability of agriculture. This year the event was hosted by the Hellenic Society of Agricultural Engineers and co-organized by the European Society of Agricultural Engineers (EurAgEng).

Apart from the presentations, the four-day event also involved plenary talks, tutorials, and specialized sessions. The topics covered cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices regarding the continuously emerging trends in agricultural engineering. 

As a knowledge-intensive institution in the testing and evaluation of agricultural and fisheries machinery, AMTEC extends its public service mandate to extension and research initiatives that would help improve the agricultural mechanization program of the country. Through its technical experts, the Center has constantly produced valuable research data to supplement the development of the Philippine National Standards (PNS). The resident engineers have also presented at research conferences and published journals over the years

At present, AMTEC continuously supports research and development initiatives by producing technical data and providing laboratories for students in the UPLB College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology.