The UPLB-BIOMECH team visited Cagayan State University (CSU) Carig Campus on March 12, 2024. The visit aimed to strengthen ties between the two institutions and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
The UPLB BIOMECH team, represented by project technical assistants Engr. Yara Ayman A. El Adawi and Engr. John Paul Tobias, focused on discussing the Compendium of Agricultural and Fisheries Technologies project during their visit. This project serves as a comprehensive catalog and online database that will promote the technologies developed by CSU. The goal is to streamline information dissemination and foster collaboration on innovative agricultural and fisheries technologies.
The Compendium of Agricultural and Fisheries Technologies project holds great potential for facilitating partnerships between research institutions, fostering a more interconnected community of innovators, and accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in the agricultural and fisheries sectors. Engr. Yara Ayman A. El Adawi and Engr. John Paul Tobias shared insights into the technical aspects of the project, highlighting its role as a vital resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the field.
During the discussions, the UPLB BIOMECH team also shed light on the AFMechRDEN (Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Research, Development, and Extension Network), a collaborative initiative chaired by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) and co-chaired by UPLB BIOMECH. This network aims to harness collective expertise in mechanization, research, development, and extension to address challenges in agriculture and fisheries.
Furthermore, the team engaged in conversations about the 5-year research agenda for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This agenda is designed to create a detailed and strategic roadmap for research activities, providing a framework for collaboration with other HEIs and potential funding agencies. By identifying specific researchable areas, the agenda aims to guide institutions like CSU in making meaningful contributions to the scientific community and addressing pressing issues in agriculture and fisheries.
Key attendees from Cagayan State University included Engr. Roger P. Rumpon (CEO, Carig Campus), Jennyfer Rabanera (chair of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department), and James B. Cabildo (Research Coordinator). Their presence underscored the commitment of CSU to collaborative endeavors that leverage expertise from various disciplines and institutions.
The visit served as a platform for knowledge exchange, relationship-building, and the exploration of joint initiatives that will contribute to the advancement of agricultural and fisheries technologies. The collaboration between UPLB BIOMECH and CSU holds great promise in fostering sustainable development and addressing the evolving challenges in the agricultural and fisheries sectors. As these institutions continue to work hand-in-hand, the future looks bright for innovative solutions that will benefit communities and industries alike.
(Yara Ayman A. El Adawi)