MARAGONDON, Cavite- The Agricultural Training Institute Region IV-A as the lead implementer of Agriculture and Fishery (AF) Mechanization and Engineering Training and Extension Program in CaLaBaRZon is tasked to capacitate Agricultural Engineers (AEs) and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in the Local Government Units (LGUs) to become trainers on machinery operations.

Thus, the ATI-Region IV-A in partnership with the Center of AF and Biosystems Mechanization (BIOMECH) as Rice Machinery Operation (RMO) NC II Assessment Center and Terra Verde Ecofarm, Maragondon, Cavite as Extension Service Provider (ESP) joined together to conduct two batches of Training of Trainers on Rice Machinery Operation (RMO) with TESDA RMO NC II Assessment last June 13-17, 2017 and June 27-July 1, 2017 in pursuant to the AFMech law.

The RMO NC II is a short TESDA course which consists of qualification competencies that a candidate must achieve in the operation and basic routine maintenance of rice machinery for land preparation, crop establishment, crop care, harvesting and threshing, drying and milling.
After five days of intensive training, forty-five (45) Agricultural Engineers and Agricultural Extension Workers in CALABARZON are now Rice Machinery Operation NC II holders. The participants were able to demonstrate and perform basic routine maintenance of rice machinery for land preparation, crop establishment, crop care, harvesting and threshing, drying and milling.

After this training, ATI IV-A will create pool of trainers from the participants to be tapped on trainings on rice machinery and equipment operations.

Dr. Rossana Marie C. Amongo, Director of BIOMECH, Engr. Mark Keylord S. Onal, Engr. Marife R. Santiago, Engr. Erwin Quilloy, Dr. Arthur L. Fajardo, and Engr. Auriodear C. Rico served as Resource Speakers during the said training.

Dr. Herbert C. Imatong from Cagayan State University, and Engr. Amy Lizbeth J. Rico from Tarlac Agricultural University meanwhile, served as TESDA Rice Machinery Operation NC II Assessors.