The 33rd Philippine Agricultural Engineering Week emphasizes the vital role of agri biosystems engineers amid the COVID-19 crisis.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – “Further improvement in farming through mechanization and digitalization in all stages of the value chain of all commodities increases farmers’ income while ensuring food security of the country,” said ASEAN Engr. Teodoro C. Eleda, the president of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (PSABE), Inc.
During the 33rd Philippine Agricultural Engineering Week, Region 10 hosted the 18th International Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Conference; the 71st PSABE Annual National Convention; and the 7th ASEAN Regional Convention from April 25-27, here in the city of Cagayan de Oro.
Participated in by over 1,600 registered and aspiring ABEs worldwide (face-to-face and online), the celebration bares the theme: “Transforming ABE technologies for adequate and sustainable advancement in this crisis situation.”
Engr. Eleda shared, that Agricultural Biosystems Engineers (ABEs) have a special focus on the mechanization and digital transformation of the country’s agricultural sector.
The event highlighted the recognition and awarding of the region’s honorary members, who were also the speakers of the plenary discussion with Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) Director Dr. Junel B. Soriano and Dr. Rodolfo P. Estigoy, the technical adviser of the Department of Agriculture Strategic Communications.
Dr. Estigoy expressed, that said honorary membership is the highest recognition given to individuals that support and have a vital impact on PSABE.
The session discussed on various government projects and programs that involve agricultural biosystems engineering and its contribution to the community as it faces different challenges such as COVID-19 pandemic, African Swine Fever, Bird flu, and the sudden price increase of farm inputs, climate change, among others.
Biosystems engineering emphasizes the application of engineering principles to plants, animals, humans, and microorganisms.
It includes the development of tools and techniques to enhance the interaction and well-being of humans, and animals and the preservation and enhancement of natural resources and the environment.
In his video message, Department of Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar remarked, that ABE has the potential in enhancing the sustainability of the country’s agriculture in all aspects from the development and correct use of innovative machineries in working within the mechanism of life itself.
Moreover, DA NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, one of the region’s awarded honorary PSABE members mentioned, that DA-10 Regional Agricultural Engineering Department (RAED) has a total of 62 manpower deployed in its five provinces.
He added that the role of RAED is vital and indispensable as it serves the department’s banner programs from planning to project implementation, such as small-scale water impounding projects, farm-to-market roads, warehouses, cold storage, and various farm machineries and equipment, and others.
“DA-10 RAED team serves as overseer of our various projects in the different provinces to maximize its services to the local farmers as they needed,” Collado stated.
Also awarded with the PSABE honorary membership is MisOr. Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano, who was represented by the Provincial Agriculturist Jose Apollo Pacamalan; University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (UST) President Dr.Ambrosio B. Cultura II; Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries Executive Director Dr.Liza G. Battad represented by Engr.Francia M. Macalintal; and Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association (AMMDA) Foundation, Inc. President Joel R. Panagsagan.
As the celebration was launched, the PSABE earlier conducted a tree planting and clean-up drive in Opol, Misamis Oriental, and motorcade around the city.# (EMB)