The Agricultural Training Institute - Central Luzon (ATI-CL) successfully conducted the Training on Operation and Maintenance of Rice Machineries – Batch 1 on June 22–26, 2026, at Municipal Hall of Botolan, Zambales.
The training empowered thirty (30) farmers from the province who are members of various Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) with essential knowledge and skills on the proper operation, maintenance, and management of modern rice production machinery.
The five-day training aimed to strengthen the capacity of farmers in adopting mechanized farming technologies to improve farm efficiency, reduce production challenges, and promote more sustainable rice production practices. The activity provided a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities designed to enhance the participants’ technical understanding and practical skills.
The training formally opened with the welcome remarks of Ramon D. Dolojan, Municipal Agriculturist, who emphasized the importance of continuous learning and skills development among farmers, particularly in the proper utilization and maintenance of agricultural machinery. This was followed by a message from Engr. Jolly Panes, Department Head of the ABE Division of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) Zambales, who encouraged the participants to maximize the opportunity and apply the knowledge gained from the training in their farming operations.
The initial lecture focused on Land Preparation, which was discussed by Engr. John Patrick M. Pascual, Science Research Specialist I from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech). The session covered the principles and systems of land preparation, the importance of tillage, and land levelling as important practices in achieving efficient rice production.
Throughout the training, participants were introduced to various rice machinery and equipment, including the 4-wheel drive tractor, combine harvester, and riding-type transplanter. They learned about the different parts and functions of each machinery, proper operation procedures, safety practices, and preventive maintenance to ensure effective performance and longer equipment lifespan.
The participants also actively participated in hands-on activities where they applied their knowledge in the actual operation and maintenance of rice machineries. In addition, they engaged in seedling preparation activities using seedling trays and the double mulching technique, providing them with practical skills that can contribute to better crop establishment and improved rice production.
The training was made possible through the expertise and support of the resource persons from PhilMech, namely Engr. Roland F. Ruiz, Science Research Specialist II; Engr. Joey Pepe R. Eligado, Science Research Specialist I; Engr. John Patrick M. Pascual, Science Research Specialist I; and Xavier Franz C. Orpiano, Data Controller IV, who shared their technical knowledge, experiences, and best practices on agricultural mechanization.
“Yung training na ‘to, kahit na sa dinami-rami ng makinarya na ibibigay ng PhilMech, kung hindi natin aalagaan at hindi magagamit nang maayos ay hindi po magiging productive yung ating mga makinarya. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami at kasabay ng pagbibigay nila ng mga makinarya sa pagsasaka, nandyan din po yung training kung paano natin sila gagamitin nang maayos at kung paano natin sila aalagaan para mas mapakinabangan pa sa mas mahabang panahon at para rin hindi kami gumastos nang mas mataas at makatipid, ma-minimize natin yung konsumo at ma-maximize natin yung trabaho para po makatipid at hindi gumastos nang sobra sobra,” Albert Apano of Nagbukel Farmers Association shared his impression to the training.
During the closing program, Arnel V. Abayan, Provincial Agriculturist, delivered his closing message and congratulated the participants for their dedication and active participation throughout the training. He highlighted the importance of applying the knowledge and skills gained to improve farm operations and encouraged farmers to continue embracing appropriate technologies that will help advance the agricultural sector.
The successful completion of the Training on Operation and Maintenance of Rice Machineries – Batch 1 marks another milestone in strengthening the capabilities of Zambales farmers. Through continuous training and technology-driven initiatives, farmers are better prepared to adopt mechanized farming practices that contribute to increased productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in rice production.
Written by: Jessica N. Datu
