ILOILO City – With the Philippines facing intensifying food insecurity and environmental challenges, over 1,000 agricultural and biosystems engineers, researchers, students, and industry stakeholders are gathering in Iloilo City for the 74th Annual National Convention of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (PSABE).
From April 20 to 25, the convention adopts the theme, “Bridging Sustainability and Innovations: Driving Collective Actions for Climate Resiliency and Water, Energy, and Food Security” — a rallying call to address the overlapping crises of climate change, dwindling resources, and agricultural vulnerability.
According to PSABE president Engr. Janice Vargas in a press conference at the Governor’s Boardroom in the Iloilo provincial capitol on Monday, April 21, “This theme not only a tagline but a call for action, our road map for our profession as we navigate the complex challenges of today’s time.”
“Climate change demands urgent solutions, and ensuring the security of our water, energy and food resources is of paramount importance for national development and the well-being of every Filipino,” added Vargas.
The ongoing national gathering here serves as a platform to showcase best practices in sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and energy-efficient farming systems. Participants are expected to learn from innovations and projects developed by agricultural and biosystems engineers, particularly those in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Among the highlights are technologies in farm mechanization, solar-powered irrigation, post-harvest processing, and smart irrigation systems that have been rolled out across regions by DA’s engineering arm.
According to Vargas, these are crucial interventions in enhancing productivity while mitigating environmental impacts.
“Philippine agricultural and biosystems engineers have long pioneered innovations — from irrigation systems to climate-smart farming practices. Your expertise continues to drive improvements in food safety and farmer livelihoods,” she added.
DA Region 6 executive director Dennis Arpia, in his message, emphasized the crucial role of agricultural engineers in developing sustainable and resilient farming systems. He credited the DA-Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED) in Western Visayas for spearheading significant infrastructure projects including rice processing centers, warehouses, greenhouses, small-scale irrigation systems, and solar-powered water facilities.
“The DA-WV fully supports your efforts in sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and improving systems that ensure food security for future generations,” said Arpia.
Meanwhile, Iloilo governor Arthur Defensor Jr. expressed pride in hosting the national convention, describing the theme as timely and relevant amid mounting food security concerns linked to climate change.
“It is with great pride and honor that you have chosen the city and province of Iloilo to be the venue of this important gathering. Your work is essential as we collectively face the food and climate challenges ahead,” said Defensor.
The convention is expected to produce a set of actionable insights and partnerships to help transform Philippine agriculture into a more climate-resilient, productive, and sustainable sector./PN
