The Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department (ABED) of Pangasinan State University โ Sta. Maria Campus conducted a Consultation Meeting, Benchmarking and Information Campaign for the ABE eFARM Extension Project on May 23, 2022 at 3rd Floor, Function Hall, Natividad Palace, Natividad, Pangasinan. The activity is a collaborative undertaking between Pangasinan State University and LGU-Natividad.
The meeting was attended by fifty-five participants composed of (25) selected farmers from the municipality, ten (10) representatives from LGU-Natividad, ten (10) faculty and staff from PSU-Sta. Maria and ten (10) students of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (BSABE).
The purpose of the ABE eFARM Extension Project is to guide the farmers on the management and operation of agricultural and biosystems machinery and structures from Natividad, Pangasinan. Specifically, the project aims to provide training on Economic analysis, field testing, management, repair and maintenance of ABE machineries and equipment, assessment and management of irrigation facilities.
The opening program was hosted by Engr. Mary Lou Collado (ABE eFARM focal person), followed by acknowledgement and introduction of the participants of the meeting by Ms. Veronica Licudo (Municipal Agri-Fishery Coordinator- LGU-Natividad).
Subsequently, Engr. John Christian Sioco (Municipal Agriculturist of LGU Natividad) and Engr. Freddie Rick L. Ramos (Project Leader of ABE eFARM Extension Project and ABED chairman) emphasizes the importance of the project as well as the farmers’ engagement in it.
Meanwhile, Engineer Cecilia M. Cruz, ABED Faculty of PSU-Sta. Maria, oriented the attendees on the purpose of the entire day meeting and the participantsโ expectation and the meetingsโ goal.
The assessment of training needs was presented and discussed by Engr. Romeo Ancheta, Engr. Dandelo Laroco, Engr. Jerves Geron, Engr. Freddie Rick L. Ramos and Engr. Roselyn Villacorte.
As part of the consultation meeting and benchmarking, the survey form was distributed to the participants to complete. Furthermore, Engineer Marilyn Albior initiated the open forum and action taken on the issues and concerns raised during the meeting.
Following the discussion of the issues and concerns, the survey form was collected, and all of the farmer participants agreed to have their farm visited as part of the project’s next phase.
Before the meeting was adjourned, Engr. Jerves M. Geron presented the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Program of the Pangasinan State University, Sta. Maria Campus.
