The DA-BAFS strengthened ties anew to its standing partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños-Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center UPLB Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center – AMTEC on March 12, 2025.The meeting focused on the review of the Terms of Reference (TOR) between DA-BAFS and UPLB-AMTEC, highlighting the crucial role of standards research as a key element in the development of agriculture and fishery (AF) machinery standards. UPLB-AMTEC is the premier and reference testing center for AF machinery in the Philippines. In accordance with Section 27 of Republic Act (RA) No. 10601 (Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law), it is further mandated to assist the DA-BAFS in the formulation of quality, safety and performance of AF machinery standards.
Likewise, DA-BAFS secured a new collaboration with the DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization DA-PHilMech through an exploratory meeting held last March 28, 2025. The meeting aimed to identify areas for collaboration, such as the potential standardization of engineering materials for agricultural purposes. Substantially, as stipulated in Section 7 and Section 25 of RA No. 10611, the institution plays a vital role in organizing the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Research and Development Extension Network (AFMechRDEN). It was primarily tasked to coordinate, plan, and execute agricultural and fishery mechanization and postharvest research and development extension programs and projects of DA.
The inter-agency meetings were spearheaded by the Officer-In-Charge, Director of BAFS, Mary Grace Mandigma, PFT and Project Management Team (PMT) of the Standards Development Division (SDD). Representatives from UPLB-AMTEC were Dr. Arthur Fajardo (Director) along with his Team and Dr. Dionisio Alvindia (Director) of DA- PHilMech with his delegation.
The Bureau’s allegiance to working in synergy with key organizations in the agri-fishery sector reinforces its engagement in research-driven initiatives. These efforts ensure the continuous alignment and enhancement of AF machinery standards, further solidifying its role in upholding agriculture and fishery mechanization in the country.
