Dr. Arthur L. Fajardo is a well-esteemed professor at the Agricultural Machinery and Power Engineering Division of the College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). In almost 20 years in the profession, Dr. Fajardo now holds the rank of Professor 5. He is the current director of the Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC). Aside from his administrative functions within the university, Dr. Fajardo is also the Auditor of PSABE – Region 4A Chapter.
He completed his undergraduate, masteral, and PhD degrees in Agricultural Engineering in UPLB. Over the years, Dr. Fajardo has engaged in several research projects, served as resource speaker, and presented papers with main focus on soil tillage, microhydro systems, STW pumps and drilling, and machine design.
During the awarding ceremony of the 71 st PSABE Annual National Convention held in Cagayan de Oro City on 27 April 2022, Dr. Fajardo received recognition for being the Most Outstanding ABE from a Higher Education Institution (HEI). The award is a testament of his valuable contributions to the field and the agricultural industry and economy, as a whole.
Dr. Fajardo shared with us more insights by answering the following questions:
What do you consider as your greatest accomplishment?
“It is my greatest accomplishment to see my vision for the agricultural sector gradually coming into reality through the works of my previous and existing students. It gives me a sense of pride to know that I have once been part of their journey, no matter how short or long that may be. At the end of the day, I am a teacher/mentor and I want nothing but to instill in my students – knowledge, skills, and values that they may carry into their professional lives. So, it gives me immense fulfillment to see my students serving the country with both honor and excellence.”
What was your reaction when you heard about the award from PSABE?
“It was a very humbling experience to me. As I always say, I am but a small fish in a big pond in our industry. But, I am very happy that my works and efforts are being recognized. Given the ever dynamic and challenging field of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, I consider this award a bonus to the everyday fulfillment of seeing my students excel in the career path that they have chosen.”
Down-to-earth, hard-working, with integrity…these are just a few of the qualities of Sir Art. Truly worth emulating. Congratulations!