BAYBAY CITY, Leyte - Farmers must be equipped with the right knowledge and skills to maximize the government’s agricultural interventions and ensure the safe, efficient use of government-provided equipment. Without proper training, resources risk being underutilized or wasted.
With this goal in mind, the Department of Agriculture, through the Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center 8 (ATI-RTC 8), in partnership with the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), successfully conducted the Training on Rice Machinery Operation, Maintenance, and Basic Troubleshooting on September 8-12, 2025 at ATI-RTC 8, VSU Campus, Baybay City, Leyte.
The five-day training gathered 30 members from Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) across the region, focusing on building technical competencies for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting rice production and post-harvest machinery. By learning proper handling and preventive maintenance, participants are now better equipped to minimize machine downtime, reduce repair costs, and prolong the lifespan of their equipment.
Throughout the training, farmers actively engaged in both discussions and hands-on activities. From machinery safety and land preparation to postharvest management, participants operated tractors, mechanical transplanters, combined harvesters, and rice millers—gaining confidence in every stage of the process.
“Maganda po ang training na ito dahil natutunan ko ang lahat na hindi na ituro nang mga supplier ng machineries. At maganda rin ito para sa mga ibang participants na nandito na kahit wala pa silang unit na na rereceived ay naihanda na sila sa training at may knowledge na sila papaano e operate ang mga iba’t-ibang machinery,” shared Mr. Conceso Cabiling of Ormoc City, Leyte, one of the participants.
As the training concluded, the farmers didn’t just bring home certificates—they brought with them skills that will directly impact their productivity and livelihoods. With better-equipped farmers at the frontline, every piece of government-provided machinery now stands as a tool for progress, paving the way for a more efficient and resilient rice industry in the region.
Because the true harvest isn't just the rice from the fields, but the knowledge now sown in the hands of our farmers.
