𝗖𝗣𝗦𝗨, 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗔, 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻-𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽

“To equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the concept and features of the localized open system tractor.”

Central Philippines State University (CPSU) and Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) facilitated the Cascading Workshop on the Open System Tractor in Visayas Farming Community.

The cascading workshop transpired on June 25 at Sitio Flora, Barangay Hilamonan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental with participating farmer trainees from the Sitio Flora Agrarian Reform Cooperative (SFARC) headed by Mr. Francisco De Guzman.

During the turnover ceremony last February 28, 2024, SFARC received the second Oggun Tractor which is an open-system design tractor—the second manufactured vehicle for the first-ever Philippine-made tractor model.

One of the workshop’s main objectives is to enhance the participants’ ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the open tractor which promotes SFARCA’s self-sufficiency, tractor-use maximization, and downtime and repair costs minimization.

In addition SEARCA, CPSU, and SFARC also signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) entitled "Open-System Tractor Community Adoption and Skill-building Project" during the event.

An opening program marked the commencement of the workshop with attendees from different agencies namely, CPSU headed by SUC President II Dr. Aladino C. Moraca and Dr. Maryvic P. Pedrosa, SEARCA headed by Deputy Director for Administration Mr. Joe Florendo, Department of Agrarian Reform headed by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I Ms. Edna Villaruel, and RU Foundry and Machine Shop Corp. headed by Chief-Executive-Officer Mr. Ramon Uy Sr.

The activities included the demonstration of the tractor’s basic controls and functions, provision of hands-on practice opportunities for participants guided by instructors, discussion of safety protocols and proper operation techniques, and demonstration on engine maintenance, hydraulic system maintenance, and tire maintenance.

Photo Credits: CPSU Production and Enterprise Development Office