DA-10 drives agro-modernization, gathers local agricultural and biosystems engineers

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), hosted a forum on February 28, with the aim of accelerating agro-modernization in Northern Mindanao and providing employment prospects for recent Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Licensure Examination (ABELE) passers.

Before the local Agricultural and Biosystems engineers, the DA-10 urged the creation of ABE offices/units among the local government units for easier facilitation on the availment of agricultural machinery, equipment, and facilities, as stipulated in DA Memorandum Circular (MC) 41, Series of 2024.

Engr. Mary Ann C. Adella, Engineering Plan, Design, and Specification Section chief of DA-10 RAED detailed the MC, which outlines the “General Guidelines on the Provision of Agricultural Machinery, Equipment, and Facilities for FY 2024 Onwards”, stressed the importance of establishing ABE offices/units within LGUs to secure the necessary agricultural provisions for the farmers in the region.

To date, 9 NorMin LGUs have enacted ordinances establishing ABE offices/units, with 8 already institutionalized plantilla positions for Agricultural and Biosystems engineers.

In a separate discussion, Engr. Romil G. Española, Program and Management Section chief, provided updates on the Local Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Plan (LAFMP), highlighting that 52 LGUs have submitted drafts, with Malaybalay City’s plan already approved. The LAFMP serves as a roadmap for integrating mechanization strategies into local agricultural development.

Meanwhile, Engr. Janice P. Vargas, Standard Regulation and Enforcement Division chief of the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering, underscored the critical need for compliance in mechanization projects, noting the accreditation processes and quality assurance measures in line with the bureau’s regulatory functions.

Through this forum, the DA-10 aims to guide all LGUs in establishing ABE offices and ensure Agricultural and Biosystems engineers are equipped to address the evolving demands of agro-modernization, helping shape the future of agriculture in Region 10.

Also present at the forum were Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers – Region 10 (PSABE-10) President and DA-10 RAED chief, Engr. Deliza T. Camaro, Professional Regulatory Board – ABE Member Engr. Caesar Joventino M. Tado, and other DA-10 officials. # (BJCE)