DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY – As part of its commitment to agricultural development, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), through the Partnerships and Accreditation Division (PAD), led the first phase of the Technical Guidance Session (TGS) on the Development of a Ladderized Training Program for Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) last July 15, 17, 2025, at Orosa Hall, ATI Building, Diliman, Quezon City.
This commitment is rooted in the understanding that a highly competent and well-trained extension workforce is essential for the advancement of the agricultural sector. The session was attended by selected representatives and focal persons of AFMech across the network, aiming to strengthen the professional pathway of Agricultural Extension Workers - Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (AEWs-ABEs) nationwide.
Czarina M. Bayot, Section Chief of the Career Development Section of ATI, presented the results of the Training Needs Assessment Survey for (AEWs-ABEs). The survey was conducted in April 2024 during the 73rd Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (PSABE) Annual Conference in Legazpi City, Albay.
A total of 539 licensed ABEs responded to the survey. The composition includes representatives from Local Government Units (LGUs), National and Regional Government Agencies (N/RGAs) such as the Department of Agriculture, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Private Companies, and others.
The survey identified six key areas of specialization as priority training needs:
Agricultural and Biosystems Power and Machinery (38%)
Irrigation and Drainage Engineering (28%)
Soil and Water Conservation Engineering (19%)
Agricultural and Biosystems Buildings and Structures (19%)
Agricultural and Bio-Process Engineering (15%)
Aquacultural Engineering (19%)
Meanwhile, OIC-Assistant Division Chief of the Curriculum Development and Management Division (CDMD) Ms. Theresa Aurora Cosico presented the Competency-Based Curriculum Framework. Participants were then provided with templates for a workshop on reviewing the draft AFMech Courses Framework.
Following the workshop, participants presented their initial outputs. Cosico offered valuable feedback, advising that for the next activity, the group should determine the rationale for intermediate and advanced courses. She noted that if an assessment had already been conducted to gauge participants’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs), then some courses may be unnecessary.
As a result of the TGS, 28 courses were identified: 12 courses under Land and Water Resources Engineering, 9 courses under Environment and Structures Engineering, and 7 courses under AFMech.
During the closing ceremony, ATI Director Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter commended the contributors for their dedication and valuable efforts in crafting the outputs of the TGS.
