ORGANIZATION

• Office Of The Director (OD)

  Functions:
  

  • Supervises over technical and administrative operations and general executive control;
  • Oversees efficient implementation of programs, projects and activities (PPAs);
  • Leads/spearheads the negotiation and coordination with local and foreign funding institutions for the implementation of the Agency’s programs and projects;
  • Represents the Office of the DA Secretary in negotiations, discussions and undertakings in so far as postharvest and mechanization are concerned;
  • Leads in developing and operating a network of institutions in postproduction and agricultural mechanization research, development and extension, including postharvest development services; and
  • Conducts other related functions as may be necessary for effective policy implementation of the agency and its status as an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture.

• Integrated Management System Unit (IMS)

  General Function:

  Establishes, documents, implements and facilitates certification of an Integrated Management System (Quality Management System ISO 9001:2015, Environment Management System ISO 14001:2015 and Occupational Health and Safety Management System ISO 45001:2018).

• Agricultural Mechanization Division (AMD)

  General Function:

  Applies agricultural engineering principles and techniques to design, develop and adapt efficient, cost-effective and environment-friendly processes, instruments, tools, machines and facilities for mechanization of agricultural crop production and post-production that minimize human drudgery, increase productivity, minimize losses and maintain crop quality.

  
  Functions:
  

  • Design, development and field testing of postharvest and mechanization technologies;
  • Detailed design and fabrication of prototypes of technologies developed by other divisions; and
  • Conduct field testing of emerging commercial mechanization technologies on agricultural crop production and post-production for potential adaption by the industry.

• Bioprocess Engineering Division (BPED)

  General Function:

  Undertakes R and D programs and projects on emerging thermal and non-thermal processing, packaging and storage of food products, and conversion of agricultural commodities and wastes into value-added and usable products using appropriate technologies.

  
  Functions:
  

  • Undertakes research on emerging and innovative thermal and non-thermal processing technologies to produce nutritious and safe food products, which will include drying and energy;
  • Conducts research on physical, chemical and rheological properties of food commodities critical on optimization of food processes, design and product development;
  • Develops appropriate/novel packaging and storage technologies for processed foods to preserve the quality and prolong product shelf-life; and
  • Undertakes collaboration with the food industry to enhance existing food products and develop novel foods using emerging technologies and processes;
  • Provides technical expertise in the areas of food process engineering;
  • Conducts research and development on the utilization of agricultural commodities and wastes and by-products into value-added products for agricultural and industrial use;
  • Identify and characterize hazardous residues of agricultural wastes and effluents and recommend proper management practices to ensure safety from contamination; and
  • Provides TL expertise in the area agri-waste utilization and hazardous residues.

• Food Protection Division (FPD)

  General Function:

  Generates and validates ecologically and environmentally acceptable technologies in maintaining the quality, extending shelf life, ensuring safety and minimizing losses of agriculture and fishery products.

  
  Functions:
  

  • Establishes information on the biology, ecology and management of postharvest pests that are See agricultural and fishery products;
  • Conducts studies on pest monitoring systems to increase predictability and effectiveness of pest control methods;
  • Studies naturally occurring active botanical materials as alternative control method;
  • Develops biological and physical methods to manage insects and vertebrate pests of agricultural and fishery products;
  • Determines levels and mechanism of insect resistance/tolerance to chemical and non-chemical control methods;
  • Conducts studies on pest problems associated with deterioration, food quality, safety and losses) as basis in developing agricultural practices, policies and mechanization technologies;
  • Establishes information on the biology, ecology, epidemiology and control of critical diseases that are affecting economically important agricultural and fishery products;
  • Conducts studies on prevention and control of microbial contaminants in agricultural and fishery products to ensure food safety;
  • Develops biological, chemical and physical methods to prevent and control postharvest diseases and extend shelf-life of agricultural and fishery products;
  • Conducts biological and physiological characterization of agricultural and fishery products and assess subsequent influence of various factors of food deterioration and losses;
  • Assesses occurrence, nature, extent and magnitude of toxin contamination problems in agricultural and fishery products;
  • Conducts risk assessment studies for establishment of acceptable levels of toxin and toxic metabolite; and
  • Provides technical expertise.

• Laboratory Services Division (LSD)

  General Function:

  To provide support in the conduct of laboratory-based activities.

  
  Functions:
  

  • Provide analytical services to the researchers of the agency;
  • Undertake research on projects where the capability of the laboratory can be utilized or expanded; and
  • Provide training and/or technical advice on analytical tests and resources.

• Socio-economic And Policy Research Division (SEPRD)

  General Function:

  Conduct researches and studies on the socio-economic and policy implications of the PH systems and technologies out of the instruments, machines and implements developed which include level of stakeholders participation, cost-benefit assessment of said technology as well as environmental , social and competitiveness components to ensure the adoption of economically, socially and environmentally sound PH technology.

  
  Functions:
  

  • Conducts state-of-the-art/benchmark studies on postproduction and agricultural mechanization to identify critical issues and concerns where interventions are essentially needed, which will serve as basis for project conceptualization of other technical divisions;
  • Conducts researches on the socio-economic aspects of agricultural mechanization and postharvest systems and technologies (level of stakeholder’s participation, supply chain organizations, support structures, cost-benefit assessment as well as environmental, social and economic competitiveness) to ensure easier integration to existing conditions and sustainability of adoption;
  • Reviews, analyzes and recommends policies that will create conducive environment for the productive participation of stakeholders involved in mechanization and postharvest sector;
  • Conducts adoption and impact studies of technologies and delivery support services as part of a continuing assessment of the status of agricultural mechanization and postproduction in the country;
  • Undertakes socio-economic modeling and analysis of various factors influencing the postharvest and mechanization aspects of various agricultural and fishery commodities; and
  • As the need arises, provides technical expertise to facilitate advocacy of newly- formulated policies in mechanization and postharvest.

• Enterprise Development Division (EDD)

  General Function:

  To enhance the capability of agricultural and fishery beneficiaries in engaging into viable agricultural mechanization and postharvest technology-based enterprises for national food security and farmers and fisherfolks’ prosperity.

  
  Functions:
  

  • Provides technical services such as preparation of feasibility studies and business plans to project cooperators, existing entrepreneurs and potential investors who adopt and invest in postharvest and mechanization technologies.
  • Conducts specific enterprise development services through need-based learning activities such as enterprise potential assessment sessions, training- workshops, on-the-job trainings, exposure trips, and need-based learning sessions to sustain their postharvest and mechanization enterprises.
  • Develops sustainable postharvest and mechanization enterprise models through partnerships and convergence.
  • Maintains postharvest and mechanization technology-based enterprise models as social laboratory/technology business incubation centers; and
  • Provides coaching and mentoring services to farmers’ cooperatives and associations who adopt and/or invest in appropriate and emerging postharvest and mechanization technologies.

• Technology Management And Training Division (TMTD)

  Functions:
  

  • Accelerates the commercialization and adoption of postharvest and mechanization technologies;
  • Institutionalizes technology transfer through Industrial Promotion by strengthening linkages and partnerships with private sector and relevant government units;
  • Develops capacities/ capabilities of agricultural extension services, other change agents
  • and farmer-leaders on PH&M;
  • Develops and maintains a critical mass of experts on postproduction and mechanization;
  • Ensures the protection of Intellectual Property Rights and copyright of various technologies and/or information.

• Applied Communication Division (ACD)

  General Function:

  Facilitates research and development results diffusion and utilization by using appropriate communication channels and modern information and communication technologies.

  
  Functions:
  

  • Produces and develops Science and Technology (S&T) information materials on postharvest and mechanization; and
  • Accelerates dissemination of S&T information through the conduct of information and educational campaigns, provision of scientific literature and service and media relations.

• Facility Management and Field Operations Division (FMFOD)

  General Function:

  Spearheads the implementation of industry assistance activities in support of rice competitiveness enhancement program.

  
  Functions:
  

  • Coordinates with other implementing agencies in the implementation of projects on facility assistance related to postharvest and mechanization;
  • Provides quick response and technical assistance to postharvest and mechanization stakeholders to ensure sustainability of agricultural mechanization and postharvest facilities;
  • Conducts technical monitoring and prepares the necessary reports in relation to the organization's projects in support to postharvest and mechanization; and
  • Implements the targets/activities of the agriculture and fishery mechanization program in partnership with DA-Regional Field Office counterparts.

• Planning, Management And Information Technology Division (PMITD)

  General Function:

  PMITD is responsible for the broad based program formulation, monitoring and evaluation of agency programs, project and activities and leads in the development, maintenance and application of information systems, information and communication technologies as inputs to the agency planning, management and operations.

  
  Functions:
  

  • Responsible for the broad-based program formulation and development as input to the planning function of R&D and ESETS;
  • Facilitates, coordinates and prepares planning and project development outputs necessary for other technical division’s project formulation and as required by other agencies;
  • Formulates RDE Agenda and short and medium term postharvest and mechanization plans through the conduct brainstorming sessions, technical workshops and planning conferences;
  • Monitors, verifies and evaluates agency PPAs vis-a-vis targets, including postharvest and mechanization industry assistance activities;
  • Organizes and facilitates the conduct of project evaluation meetings, in-house reviews and monitoring and evaluation workshops;
  • Prepares agency accomplishment and performance reports for internal and external use;
  • Development of new information systems and maintenance of the existing, necessary for the effective and efficient operations of the agency;
  • Maintenance of computer hardware and accessories, LAN, internet services including web site, mails and communications facilities;
  • Provides internal and external technical assistance on GIS implementation, database management, expert and decision support system software development and related computer applications; and
  • Transforms generated R and D data into databases, information systems and related outputs.

• Finance Division (FD)

  Functions:
  

  • Ensures propriety, reasonableness and compliance of all financial transactions with government accounting and auditing rules and regulations;
  • Maintains/Prepares and updates agency’s book of accounts, trial balance, balance sheet, income statement and other financial reports and records;
  • Formulates and implements appropriate control mechanisms for the agency’s physical and financial resources;
  • Determines the existence of lawful appropriation, allocates funds by sources and monitors utilization and sufficiency of funds and availability of inventory of supplies, materials and equipment;
  • Submits accountability reports and other financial reports required by agencies in government;
  • Leads preparation of and coordinates timely release of agency regular/ supplemental/special budgetary requirements.

• Administrative Division (AD)

  Functions:
  

  • Adopts and implements system of collection, deposit and disbursement of funds in accordance with government rules and regulations;
  • Prepares and submits financial and other accountability reports relative to cashiering;
  • Maintains petty cash fund for agency operational expenditure requirements;
  • Conducts manpower planning, recruitment and placement activities;
  • Designs and implements the agency’s personnel benefits and relations program;
  • Coordinates and implements the agency's manpower development program and activities;
  • Formulates suitable human resource mechanisms and conducts continuing studies and systems review to update or improve them;
  • Maintains and updates a systematic file of all personnel records and movements;
  • Ensures proper custodianship and disposition of all agency properties;
  • Coordinates/Implements the agency’s procurement activities; and
  • Leads the periodic inventory taking and maintains and updates a systematic file of all fixed assets and individual accountabilities.
  • Ensures adequacy / ready availability of supplies and other needed provisions
  • Maintains and monitors the adequacy and responsiveness of the property and procurement information system of the agency
  • Ensures the proper maintenance of the agency’s infrastructure and transport facilities and their compliance with safety requirements
  • Oversees the adequate and timely provision of all requisite transport, security, maintenance, fabrication janitorial and repair services
  • Operates the agency's Dormitory and Training Center and coordinates their utilization by internal and external clients