The Planning, Policy and Socio-Economic Division (PPSED) of BIOMECH is the operational unit of the center in charge of conducting various studies related to and in support of the agri-fisheries mechanization.

The major functions of PPSED are as follows:

1) Formulate short, medium and long term plans for BIOMECH through harmonization of the different plans and programs of the center;

2) Conduct, formulate and recommend relevant policies on the four major thrusts of the center namely food security, energy sustanability, environmental protection and climate change (e.g. national policies, policy briefs, policy issue papers);

3) Conduct socio-economic and impact assessment studies on the different projects and interventions of BIOMECH (e.g. pilot area assessment, technology assessment, socio-economic impacts);

4) Formulate external development plans related to the foru major thrusts of the center; and

5) Conduct other mechanization related studies impacting agri-fisheries mechanization in the country (e.g. commodity road maps, commodity status, value chain studies).

BIOMECH has crafted baseline studies and policy recommendations instrumental to the change in the landscape of agricultural mechanization in the country. Among these are:

The crafting of the Agricultural Mechanization Development Plan in 1991 which became one of the significant references for the drafting of the AFMA Law of 1997.

The development of protocols for shallow tubewell development  which led to become a National Shallow Tubewell Program of DA in 1992.

Operational Policy for the Development of the Philippine Agricultural Mechanization Index for the Development of the Modified Agricultural Mechanization Index (MAMI) which was adopted by DA for implementation by its regional offices

Policy Study in Support to the Local Assembly and Manufacturing of Single Cylinder Engine for the Philippine Agri-Fisheries Sector which produced various offshoot programs for the creation of a new industry and its roadmap

Other recent studies that have been completed were:

• Determination of Agricultural Mechanization Level in the Production-Postproduction Systems of Rice and Corn in Selected Regions of the Philippines
• Determination of the Effects of the Use of Suitable Mechanization Technology on Operational Efficiency, Cost and Labor Productivity of Corn- based Farms in FSTP Project Areas
• Comprehensive Assessment of the Performance of the Cassava Supply Chain and Value Chain and Identification of Interventions for Competitiveness
• Assessment of the Current Status of the Yellow and White Corn Supply Chains in the Philippines
• Policy Formulation of the Standard Procedure for Fishery Mechanization Index (FishMI) Integrating the Best Practices on the Utilization of Fisheries Mechanization Technologies (FMTs)
• Policy Study on the Implementability of Contiguous Farming in Rice and Corn Areas in the Philippines
• Development of a Comprehensive Mechanization Resource Mapping, Monitoring and Data Analysis System (M3DAS) for Planning Implementation and Policy Data Generation for Government Departments and LGUs

Activities within the division are usually on a continuous and project basis format. Projects are usually conduct through an inter-division and multi-disciplinary approach. Projects are commonly funded through internal and external funding although majority are externally funded. The division also supports data sharing within and among different units composing the AfMech ERN. It also seeks to foster collaboration with external institutions such as DA, PCAARRD-DOST, DA-BAR, DA-PCAF and even private entities involved in agri-fisheries mechanization.