A training participant tries to turn on the tractor to commence his hands on exercise on machinery operation and maintenance
Bohol - Machinery maintenance opt to achieve optimum value for equipment in order to perform its desired and designed functions. Hence, it is important to ensure that machines are properly maintained to prevent unplanned downtime which can be costly and interrupt farm activity.
On 24 – 28 May 2021, a training Course in the Operation and Maintenance of Rice Machinery and Equipment was conducted. The training approach was blended. All lectures were held online, while actual demonstration and hands-on activity was held at the Labonite Family Farm in San Isidro, Pilar, Bohol – a Learning Site Cooperator owned by Jose Labonite, Sr.
A total of 22 Agricultural Extension Workers from the municipal agriculture’s office of Alicia, Batuan, Bien Unido, Candijay, Danao, Guindulman, Pilar, San Miguel, Talibon, Ubay and ATI-RTC 7 staff were able to complete the course.
In detail, participants were taught on the: different hand tools and power equipment used in rice farming; concept of operation and maintenance of the rice machinery and equipment; and maintenance activities on the agricultural holdings
The training in Bohol was made possible in collaboration with DA-RFO 7 through Mr. Rico Rommel Varquez, Bohol Island State University- Bilar Campus through Engr. Erwin G. Ludevese and Engr. Jamel M. Salo, who served as resource persons. The training was facilitated by Engr. Jonathan O. Sumagang and Angelie B. Mencede of ATI RTC 7.
“I did appreciate all the efforts of the resource people. They gave us many ideas, and at the same time, our knowledge on proper land preparation to harvesting, using farm machinery, has been updated through the virtual and face-to-face training. For the virtual training, each resource person delivered their topics effectively and precisely. I am thankful for their patience during the hands-on training where they demonstrated and taught us on how to operate the different kinds of machinery. They also helped me in reviewing some of the lessons I had when I was in college,” said Jessievel Ayuban - one of the training participants.
Another batch of this training is planned for the agricultural extension workers in Cebu in June 2021.
Should there be any clarifications or inquiries around this training, you may contact Jonathan O. Sumagang, Project Officer, through his email at jsumagang16@gmail.com.