On March 13, 2024, the UPLB-BIOMECH team, Engr. Yara Ayman El Adawi and Engr. John Paul Tobias went to Kalinga to visit its local manufacturers. They were able to visit 4 esteemed manufacturers: Landokan Enterprises, RBD Farm Machineries and Merchandise, Pascua Farm Machineries, and Tabuk Agricultural Farm Machinery Trading.
They discussed the current project of UPLB-BIOMECH, funded by DOST PCAARRD: the Compendium of Developed Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization in the Philippines. This initiative aims to collate and document a comprehensive array of agricultural and fisheries technologies developed by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Research and Development Institutes (RDIs), and local manufacturers. This project also supports the AFMech law, promotes existing technologies, eliminates redundancy in studies, and fosters collaborative endeavors to innovate solutions for the agricultural and fisheries sectors.
Their first stop was at Landokan Enterprises where they were welcomed by Ms. Janet Orprecio, a visionary entrepreneur, sharing the pivotal role of their machinery in enhancing farming practices. Their contribution to the compendium resonated with their commitment to empowering local farmers with cutting-edge tools.
Next on their itinerary was RBD Farm Machineries and Merchandise, where they were met by the manager, Princess Dapeg, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of agricultural mechanization. Their involvement in the compendium epitomized their dedication to collective advancement.
They then went to Pascua Farm Machineries and Tabuk Agricultural Farm Machinery Trading showcasing some of the technologies available in their shop.
The dedication of Kalinga manufacturers to bridging the gap between research and practical application underscored the importance of translating innovation into tangible benefits for farmers.
(Yara Ayman A. El Adawi)