The University’s Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (BSABE), Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA), and Extension Services and Community Engagement (ESCE) departments, collaborated with Equity Machineries, Inc. (EMI) and Kubota Philippines, Inc. (KPI) to conduct the 2-Day Product Awareness Program on Agricultural Machinery Operations and Technologies.

The activity aimed to expose the graduating students of BSABE, BSA, and faculty members to contemporary trends and practical applications in agriculture mechanization.

Hosted by Ms. Sheryl Ann M. Nicolas, Operations Director of EMI, the event commenced with an opening ceremony. In his message, Mr. Lawrence D. Chuapoco, Regional Sales Manager of KPI, encouraged the students-the next generation of agriculturists and biosystems engineers, to bring fresh ideas and make farming smarter, more efficient, more interesting, more profitable and more vocal. Reiterating their critical role of not just feeding the families but also uplifting the communities, he pointed out that efficient farming means higher profits for local farmers, stronger rural economies, and a sustainable future.

As the information campaign is part of EMI and KPI’s REV-UP: Kubota-Saka Agri Talk Program Awareness Program, Dr. Edgar V. Benabise, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Engineering (CAFÉ), acknowledged the program’s significance in developing students’ practical skills and its potential contribution to curriculum enhancement. He stressed the importance of aligning university agricultural programs with evolving industry demands.

Dr. Hermenegildo F. Samoy, Jr., University President, through Dr. Fredisminda M. Dolojan, Director of ESCE, conveyed his appreciation and gratitude to the EMI and KPI for the partnership, emphasizing the vital role of agricultural mechanization in improving food security.

After the preliminaries during the first day of the program on May 19, the activity proceeded with lectures and video presentations on Farm Mechanization, Modern Agricultural Equipment, Operations and Safety Measures, among others.

The second day of the event, which was held on May 20, 2025, featured exciting activities which provided hands-on training with machinery and equipment supplied by EMI and KPI, allowing students to operate the machineries and equipment in assigned groups.

The afternoon program gave the students an opportunity to showcase their talent through the Jingle Competition. The program concluded with the awarding of certificates, prizes, and tokens of appreciation. EMI and KPI adjourned the program with a surprise grant to the University which included: 2 units of brush cutter and water pump with hose.

This collaborative initiative successfully bridged the gap between academic learning and practical application, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to a more efficient and sustainable agricultural sector. The program’s success highlights the value of industry-university partnerships in fostering agricultural innovation and development, ultimately contributing to improved food security and rural economic growth in the region.

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We extend our sincerest gratitude to Kubota Philippines and Equity Machineries for their generous sponsorship of the recent Product Awareness Program on Agricultural Machinery Operations and Technologies. Your support has significantly enhanced our students’ learning experience and equipped them with valuable skills for the future. We deeply appreciate your efforts to agricultural development and look forward to future collaborations.