PILA, Laguna – As the Training on Testing and Evaluation of Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery concludes, 25 Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (ABEs) in CALABARZON are now better equipped to uphold technical integrity in acquiring machinery and ensuring that farmers receive tools that are reliable, appropriate, and efficient.
Over the course of the training, the participants acquired essential knowledge and practical experience to strengthen their capabilities in the testing and evaluation of agri-fisheries machinery—a critical step in ensuring that interventions for farmers meet technical standards and local needs.
A key highlight of the training was the performance testing of three agricultural machines on June 4, 2025, at Javier Integrated Farm in Calauan, Laguna. This hands-on activity provided the participants with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and further sharpen their technical skills in real-world scenarios.
Among the participants, John Mark Sto. Domingo, an ABE from the local government of Teresa, Rizal, shared his reflection: “This training is a great help for me to understand how procurement and acceptance testing work in acquiring farm machinery. That’s why every one of us ay sobrang eager ding pumasa – ‘cause it will give us a chance to evaluate the machinery that we’re acquiring more thoroughly. Because in the end, we want our farmers to receive those interventions na up-to-standards and fit talaga sa kung ano ang needs nila.”
The participants also underwent both practical and written examinations, a crucial step towards certification as test engineers. The results of these assessments will soon determine who among them will successfully earn the certification after a month or two.
The training was held at NIA IV-A in Pila, Laguna, from June 2-6, 2025.
News by: Archie Linsasagin
