PSABE Convention Showcases AgriBio Engineering for Climate Action

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The 74th Annual National Convention of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (PSABE) officially opened on April 20 at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City.

The event gathered more than 1,200 stakeholders from across the country and abroad to highlight science-based solutions to climate resiliency, food security, and sustainable resource management.

With the theme, “Bridging Sustainability and Innovations: Driving Collective Actions for Climate Resiliency and Water, Energy, and Food Security,” the weeklong convention emphasizes the role of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (ABEs) in building a resilient and productive agriculture sector.

PSABE President Engr. Janice P. Vargas, in a press briefing on April 21, stressed the convention’s mission to empower ABEs with new tools, updated standards, and global knowledge for delivering sustainable solutions at both local and national levels.

“For Day 2, we are focusing on strengthening foundational knowledge and showcasing sustainable practices,” Vargas said.

“This includes updates on the revised ABE table of specifications now implemented in higher education institutions, and discussions on continuing professional development and the Philippine credit transfer system, which aligns our engineers with international standards,” she added.

The convention also explores the expanding roles of ABEs in local government units, with speakers presenting best practices from their respective regions.

International guests will share innovative ABE technologies and research-based approaches to capacity building in sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation.

Breakout sessions are centered on key themes such as climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy integration in farming, enhancing farm efficiency, and leveraging technology to strengthen the food-water-energy nexus.

Focus group discussions will also tackle global perspectives.

Local initiatives are featured, including the Renewable Institute program and sustainable farming models such as diversified farms that integrate climate-resilient strategies.

“On Day 4, we highlight good governance, technical expertise, and honor our outstanding engineers,” Vargas said.

“We will also hold elections for the new PSABE Board of Trustees and conduct specialized technical sessions on machinery, land and water resources, and post-harvest processing.”

The convention will conclude on April 25 with an experiential learning tour and site visits to successful agricultural systems in Iloilo.

PSABE adviser Dr. Rodolfo C. Undan said the event aims to inspire engineers to take leadership roles in solving persistent agricultural challenges through engineering innovations.

“There are best practices all over the Philippines—from rice farms using sustainable fertilization and pesticide systems to water harvesting structures like small check dams and diversion systems,” Dr. Undan said.

He emphasized that while many solutions already exist, what is needed now is strong leadership, supportive policies, and effective implementation through Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers.

He also cited the government’s ongoing support for mechanization, post-harvest storage, and processing facilities for rice and other crops, with ABEs leading many of these efforts at the provincial level.