The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA strengthened the technical capabilities of farmers through a five-day “Training on Operation, Safety, and Maintenance of Rice Machinery” on April 20–24, 2026, at Crystal Paradise Resort, Narra, Palawan.
The training aimed to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills in the proper operation, safety practices, and basic maintenance of commonly used rice machinery, thereby directly supporting farm productivity and mechanization efforts in rice-producing communities.
In his welcome message, delivered through a pre-recorded video, ATI-MIMAROPA Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos urged participants to fully engage in the training and to pass on what they learn to other farmers to help improve agricultural productivity and increase income.
The lecture proper started with an overview of rice mechanization, highlighting its importance in rice production, the current status of mechanization in MIMAROPA, and the vital role of farmers and associations in promoting its adoption at the community level.
Engr. Vincent S. Dangan, Instructor I at Western Philippines University (WPU), discussed the fundamental components and principles of rice machinery, including engine systems, power transmission systems, hydraulics, and electrical systems.
Engr. Hernando DG. Lagan Jr., Assistant Professor I at WPU, followed with a discussion on the different types of rice machinery and their specific functions. He presented equipment such as hand tractors, four-wheel drive tractors, rice transplanters, reapers, combine harvesters, threshers, and rice mills. He also emphasized occupational safety and health practices in machinery operation, focusing on hazard identification, the proper use of personal protective equipment, and emergency response procedures.
Meanwhile, Engr. Josue L. Peneyra, Associate Professor IV at WPU, discussed maintenance and basic troubleshooting techniques. He differentiated between preventive and corrective maintenance and emphasized proper cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, and the identification of common machinery failures.
To reinforce the learning sessions, the training included extensive hands-on activities. Participants performed pre-operation inspections, followed standard operating procedures during field operations, and engaged in practical exercises using rice machinery.
“Una po sa lahat, kami po ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa DA-ATI sa training na ito, sa oras at effort na inilaan, gayundin sa lahat ng ating naging resource persons. Ako rin po ay nagpapasalamat dahil natuto ako tungkol sa rice machinery, dahil hindi ko po ako sanay dito. Natutunan ko po ang tamang pagmamaneho at safety practices. Malaking tulong po ito sa atin dahil ayaw na nating maulit ang mga nakaraan na aksidente at iba pang insidente na may kaugnayan sa machinery,” shared Engr. Leo T. Bonilla, one of the participants from Brgy. Malatgao.
A total of 30 rice farmers participated in the training.
