The Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers in the region (PSABE7) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Central Visayas (DA7) held its first regional convention last March 15-16, at a venue in Cebu City, bearing the theme “Elevating Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering through Sustainable Innovations towards a Greener and Food Secured Central Visayas Region”.
DA Undersecretary for Inspectorate and Enforcement and Chief of Staff, Atty. Balagbag, who is the guest speaker of the said event, acknowledged the role of the ABEs in strengthening the agricultural sector through leveraging agri and fishery technologies. He also mentioned, that the youth are the future farmers who are now tech-savvy, and business-minded, which is one of the DA Secretary’s thrusts.
“We must encourage youth to engage in farming since it is beneficial to them and not just a means to survive in a day-to-day living. As an ABEs here in in Central Visayas, we have a lot of natural resources, and it’s up to you to make use of modern technologies so that we will be able to improve our agricultural systems to make our country be food secured,” he shared.
In her message, DA-7 Regional Executive Director Angel C. Enriquez, said the gathering of ABEs in a convention is a manifestation for DA to be prepared to implement infrastructure projects. She encouraged the LGUs to appoint ABEs in their locality for them to implement agri-infrastructure and machinery projects, such as diversion dams and small water impounding project of DA7 and NI.
“The DA has been providing seeds, fertilizers, farm machinery, and most importantly, water. I wanted to instill in your (ABEs) minds that the government has invested in infra projects, benefiting our farmers and enjoying the increase in production. Remember this, as an agricultural and biosystems engineers, you played a big role for the country to achieve sufficiency in rice, corn, and all other commodities, so please continue on learning new things from this convention,” she said.
The convention was attended by PSABE president, Engr. Cirilo N. Namoc; Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) Director, Engr. Ariodear C. Rico; Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology-VII (DOST), Engr. Jesus P. Zamora; Board of Trustees and PSABE7 officers, Engr. Orencio M. Apale from National Irrigation Authority (NIA7), Joseph Salas from PhilFIDA 7, ABEs in Siquijor, Bohol, and Negros Oriental, and ABEs from local government units and state universities.