TRAINING TOOLS. Department of Agriculture Regional Executive Director Abel James Monteagudo (2nd from left) turns over 18 units of testing equipment and training tools worth PHP493,000 to Dr. Anthony M. Penaso (3rd from right), president of Caraga State University, at the CSU campus on Thursday (July 30, 2020). The equipment and tools aim to strengthen the school’s testing and evaluation center for agri-fishery. (Photo courtesy of DA-13 Information Office)
BUTUAN CITY – The Caraga State University (CSU) received 18 units of testing equipment and training tools from the Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) to further boost its Agri-Fishery Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center.
The tools and equipment, worth PHP493,000, were personally handed over by DA-13 Executive Director Abel James Monteagudo to CSU the president, Dr. Anthony Penaso, in a ceremony held at the CSU campus on Thursday (July 30).
DA-13 serves as the center for agricultural development in Caraga and will continuously support the initiatives of its partners, such as the CSU, to strengthen the agriculture sector in the region, Monteagudo said.
“Through this, it will awaken the perception of the people on agriculture as vital in nation-building. I am hoping that many people will see this sector as important as others,” he added.
The equipment and tools include a top-loading balance, data logger, standard sieve set, thermocouple and extension wire, hygrometer, tachometer, digital moisture meter, and AC current clamp meter.
Penaso said the support of DA-13 will strengthen the testing and evaluation center for agri-fishery at CSU.
“This equipment donated by the DA-13 would be of great help in the delivery of high quality of agriculture and agriculture engineering education of Caraga State University and the region as a whole. This will provide the students the opportunity to be equipped with the necessary skills in machinery operations because these will be available here on campus,” Penaso said.
He added that the increasing demand for agricultural equipment in universities offering agricultural courses pushed CSU to forge a partnership with DA-13 and the Agricultural Training Institute in the area (ATI-13) to address the needs affecting the skills and competencies of the students in agriculture, including local farmers.
The CSU training center is the second center in Mindanao delivering high caliber training in agriculture concerning mechanization and laboratory practices. (PNA)
