MANILA – Six hundred fifteen (615) new Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (ABE) were officially welcomed into their profession during the oath-taking ceremony held at Tent City, Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park on October 20, 2023. The momentous occasion marked the culmination of their hard work and dedication, as they successfully passed the ABE Licensure Examination administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Professional Regulatory Board of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (PRBABE) across various locations nationwide last September.

Among the notable achievements recognized during the ceremony were the top-performing schools with 10 or more examinees and at least an 80% passing rate. Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Pili achieved a perfect 100% passing rate, closely followed by the University of the Philippines – Los Banos with an impressive 92.86% success rate.

 

 

The event also celebrated the outstanding performance of Engr. Lee Henry David Castro from the Bataan Peninsula State University – Abucay, who is recognized as 2023 ABE Board Exam topnotcher with a score of 84.03%.

DA-BAFE Director Ariodear Rico, who also serves as the Chairman of the PRBABE, had the privilege of administering the oath to the new engineers. In his address, he remarked, “Today is a momentous occasion, a day that represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. You are fortunate, as the passing rate out of the 1,841 examinees stood at 33.41%.”

He extended his gratitude to all those who have supported and guided these emerging professionals on their journey, acknowledging the invaluable contributions to the success of the new engineers.

 

 

Dir. Rico highlighted the crucial role that ABEs play in the nation’s development and emphasized that they are “not only responsible for the design of machinery and systems but are also the pioneers of change, custodians of sustainability, and champions of modern, appropriate, and sustainable mechanization technologies and practices.”

ABEs are integral to the nation’s economic well-being, impacting the livelihoods of countless Filipino farmers and fisherfolk, while also shaping the future of the country’s food security, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity, he added.

In alignment with the Marcos administration’s focus on food security, Dir. Rico underlined the significance of boosting agricultural production through various government programs which include Farm-to-Market Roads, innovation, mechanization of agricultural production, and postharvest facilities, consuming a substantial portion of the government’s budget. He stressed the need not only for facilities but, more importantly, “for an adequate and competent workforce, in which ABE professionals, together with operators and technicians, play a vital role.”

Dir. Rico urged the new ABE professionals to consider applying in positions within the Department of Agriculture (DA), other government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). He encouraged them to venture into agricultural livelihood projects as well.

Additionally, Dir. Rico challenged the new engineers to continue their career development, suggesting that they could pursue roles such as Test Engineers and feasibility study (FS) preparers, and design engineers among other opportunities.

 

 

The Keynote Address was delivered by Engr. Juana Tapel, PhD, DA-BAFE Assistant Director and the Most Outstanding Agricultural Engineer (Maramba Award) for 2023. Dr. Tapel congratulated the new examinees for their licensure success, emphasizing the importance of humility, cooperation, integrity, and honesty in their professional journey.

Meanwhile, PRC PRBABE Member Engr. Sherwin Valdez applauded the new engineers’ commitment to learning and underscored the significance of their success, describing it as a significant contribution to the field of agricultural and biosystems engineering. He urged them to view learning as a lifelong journey, encouraging them to seek knowledge, adapt to current changes in their field, and become agents of innovation and progress.

The oath-taking ceremony served as a celebration of the achievements of these new professionals, who now bear the responsibility of driving change, sustainability, and progress in the agricultural and biosystems engineering field and, by extension, the nation as a whole. ###(Marshall Louie Asis, MC / DA-BAFE)