๐ก๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฎ, ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ป โ Strengthening the skills of frontline agricultural workers and farmers in rice mechanization took center stage as faculty members from the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) program of Western Philippines University (WPU) served as resource speakers and coordinators in a five-day training held from April 20โ24, 2026, at Crystal Paradise Resort in Narra, Palawan.
The “๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ผ๐ป ๐ข๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป, ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฒ๐๐, ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ (๐๐น๐๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ป๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด๐)” gathered 30 farmer-participants, equipping them with essential technical knowledge and hands-on experience in handling modern rice production equipment. The activity was organized and funded by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) โ Regional Training Center IV-B (MIMAROPA).
The training initiative was anchored on the need to enhance mechanization in the MIMAROPA region, a significant rice-producing area that generated approximately 631,469 metric tons of palay from October to December 2025 (PSA, 2026). Despite this contribution, mechanization levels remain relatively low at about 2.38 horsepower per hectare (DA-PHilMech, 2025), highlighting the need for improved technical capacity among farmers and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs).
Through a combination of lectures and practical exercises, the training aimed to bridge knowledge gaps in machinery operation, safety, and maintenance. It emphasized the importance of proper equipment use in reducing labor costs, minimizing postharvest losses, and improving overall farm productivity.
Engr. Vincent S. Dangan discussed the overview of rice farm mechanization, including its role in enhancing productivity and the current status of mechanization in the region. Engr. Hernando G. Lagan Jr. introduced participants to various rice machineries and led sessions on occupational safety and health practices, focusing on hazard identification, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency procedures.
Meanwhile, Engr. Josue L. Peneyra handled modules on maintenance, troubleshooting, and machine operation, guiding participants through preventive maintenance routines and standard operating procedures. The sessions provided participants with the skills to diagnose common machine issues and apply appropriate corrective measures.
Hands-on activities were a key component of the training, allowing participants to operate a four-wheel tractor and a rice combine harvester under guided supervision. This practical exposure reinforced theoretical concepts and built confidence among participants in using farm machinery. Engr. Cherrylene Lagan served as coordinator, ensuring the smooth delivery of topics and other activities.
The training was designed with a clear objective: to enhance participantsโ competencies in operating, maintaining, and safely handling rice machineries, enabling them to effectively support and promote mechanization in their respective communities.
By the end of the program, participants were able to understand the role of mechanization in rice production, identify different types and components of machinery, perform pre-operation inspections, apply safety protocols, and conduct routine maintenance and troubleshooting.
The initiative supports Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) by improving agricultural productivity, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through skills development, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting efficient and sustainable farming practices.
(Contributor: Engr. Danny C. Abrina)
[This article is in line with the SDGs 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 12, & 17]ย