Name: Jenny T.

Villanueva

Year & Section: 4E

Course Instructor: Engr. Rue F. Tuyogon

Subject: Refrigeration

My Reflection
(Five Days Reveling the 21st Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers Pre-professional
Group Mindanao Wide Convention)

Registration, Opening Program, and Plenary Sessions on the First

Day

USeP Bayaws Arrival and Breakfast on the first Day

This years PSAE-PPG Mindanao Wide Convention revolved around the theme
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Addressing Global Challenges on Food Security,
Environmental Protection, and Green Technology.

Truly, we are experiencing a new normal where deterioration in one makes it harder to
address the other. Also, its tough given the fact that currently we have 15 global challenges to
face. So, we need to identify the possible problems in the future and harmonize it with our
present. I found this message given by Dr. Maria Luisa R. Soliven, the CMU President strikingfor it resonated the importance of the conventions theme as well as the primary role of
Agricutural and Biosystems Engineering in addressing the worlds rising crisis especially in
securing the food, protecting the environment, and innovating green technology. Personally,
someday in the future with Gods blessing Ill also be one of the agricultural engineers and this
was somehow a preview of the social responsibility I would have to carry with my profession. Dr.
Solivens words were not the only thing that captured my senses; I was also amazed seeing 12
Universities and Colleges in active participation in the event. It was fun seeing the hundreds of
Bayaws all over Mindanao. It reminded me that the course I had chosen was thriving and
growing. It made me feel that Agricultural engineerings essential and the professions breed
was never dying. In fact, Engr. Roxanne Hojas the Assistant Technical Director for Operation
and BOT in Region X had showed us that agricultural engineerings the jack of all trades and the
master of all engineering works. An agricultural engineer could do what other engineers do-may
it be electrical, mechanical, technical, geological, etc.; one just has to have perseverance and
hard work. She also wanted us to never forget to be sensitive to subordinates and to respect all
people up to the lowest rank as one of the secrets towards career success. As shed liked us to
remember, Respect begets respect.
On the first day too, the 7 th of November 2016, we had two plenary sessions given by Engr.
Hojas and by Engr. Alson G. Quimba, Bukidnon Province Agriculturist. Engr. Hojas talked about
ABEs part in addressing global challenges in food security under Duterte Administration while
Engr. Quimba focused on the challenges in environmental protection. RA 10915 considered the
strengthening, modernizing, and aligning ABE into sustainable farming. With the advocacy of
the current President regarding affordable and available food for the Filipino people, the Du30
Food Security program was born recommending the practice of agricultural engineering
profession as well as requiring the agricultural engineers involvements. In relation to the
mission, there were two following areas being considered which were the staple food
commodities and the high value generating crops. The mentioned areas targeted food safety
and the generation of jobs and foreign earnings. Engr. Hojas also made it clear that the
Department of Agriculture aimed to achieve food sufficiency and maximum productivity.
Practically, DA would undertake the implementation of the basic foundations of sound
agriculture and fisheries program. Thus, starting with instigating the national color coded

agriculture and fisheries map that really encouraged the participation of the agricultural
engineering students in the surveying and mapping as part of the SWCE subject. Under the
present government, agricultural engineers were tapped by the Department of Agriculture to
spearhead mechanization program in Agri-Fishery and community based irrigation systems. In a
quick summary, the goals to be involved in adequate and accessible agricultural engineering
services to Du30 Food Security and Poverty Alleviation Program, specifically on irrigation, soil
and water conservation and management, agri-Fishery infrastructures and post-harvest
Facilities and agro-processing. Engr. Hojas had again pointed out that agricultural engineers
were much needed to attain a global positive change. With regards to attaining global positive
change, Engr. Quimba then talked about environmental protection bringing the message that
our profession should be the prime movers on the way to preserving and managing the beautiful
world that we live in from environmental threats and dangers. According to him there were three
ways that ABE can do which are soil and water conservation and management, waste utilization
and management and resource conservation and management. Soil conservation actually
meant reducing the amount of soil erosion and maintaining soil fertility, reducing the speed and
amount of water running off, and keeping enough vegetation to protect the soil surface and to
bind the soil together. Moreover, we could practice agronomic or vegetative conservation
measures and crop management to save our land. Secondly, to protect the resources from
more harm ABE could look into area development for agriculture, settlement and recreation;
parks and plant nurseries; beneficial ecosystem of life and environment; study and analysis of
agricultural system as an integrated component of landscape; monitoring and conservation of
natural resources; rehabilitation of forest, lakes, rivers and idle lands; and the sustainable
development, management, and exploitation of the agricultural ecosystem. Thirdly as for the
waste management ABE could give a hand towards the development of systems, processes,
and equipment for agricultural waste disposal and utilization and environment-friendly
technologies such as, but is not limited to, compost plants, biogas plants, biomass utilization
technologies, systems and processes. Engr. Alsons discussion gave us more insights of the
many things that we could do to make our planet thrive beautifully.
For me the first day wasnt just about the tiring travel or acquiring useful information, but
also about creating friendships- for later that evening we had the Bayaw Socialization Night.
Graffiti was the mode of socializing. Scribbling anything to all bayaws white shirts was a fun and
a lighter way to get to know other Ag-eng students all over Mindanao. Before the night ended,
strangers bonded by the same course became friends bonded by PSAE-PPG camaraderie.

Taking a Selfie with the Cheery Bayaws

GRAFFITI
is REAL!
Bayaws
Socializing in
the
Behind
During
the Socialization
Night
Night

SECOND DAY: TUESDAY -November 8, 2016

The second day was welcomed with a plenary session about Green Techonology by the
entrepreneur, Engr. Marl Ian P. Dionaldo. Green technology really made me curious for it was
the first time I heard about it. Pondering on, I found that green technology was related to a
green purpose. Basically, green referring to Mother Nature and purpose as the impact of
invention would have on the environment in may be short term or long term. The goals to have
environmentally friendly inventions with energy efficiency, recycling, safety and health concerns,
renewable resources, and zero waste. Engr. Dionaldo created a heart moving message on why
agricultural engineers should take green technology seriously. Its because we only have one
planet to live, one home to go to, therefore, we should make this sustainable. ABE could
address this global challenge because this field integrated engineering science and design with
applied biological and environmental sciences. In fact, the professional practice involved
preparation of designs, plans, specifications, feasibility studies on the construction, operation
and maintenance of agricultural biosystems power and machinery, agricultural and biosystems
buildings and structures, agricultural and bio-processing and post-harvest facilities and system,
agricultural and bio-automation and instrumentation system, etc. The speaker presented some
examples of green technologies like the solar powered irrigation systems, coconets, grain pro
cocon, solar roadways, farmbot, and feedbot which were really inspiring and amazing. Overall,
the presentation proposed a challenge for agricultural engineers to be part of the change by
planning and designing for sustainability, always thinking green, considering its impact in the

long term and innovating as well as improving. We were also able to be oriented with the PSAEPPG updates like the projects and the fees from the Nation Chapter officer. Furthermore, Sir
Mangaoa presented Philippine Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Act of 2016 (RA10915), PSAE vision, mission and goals, membership system, and the achievements. It was on
this day too that BAYAWLYMPICS started. Tractor hitching and rodeo for both male and female
category was an entertaining event. The highlight of my day was the nerve wracking
extemporaneous speaking contest where contenders will pick a keyword and relate it with the
theme. I got inorganic farming and I presented three reasons why its vital to the global
challenges on food security, environmental protection and green technology. First, its practical
and easily available commercially which could hasten crop growth and production answering to
the food demand in the community. Second, inorganic farmings practical given normal
conditions and provided that we practice it in limited manner, it wont compromise our planet
Earth as much- also through soil assimilation of microorganisms which could convert inorganic
fertilizers to organic. There were other exciting activities during the day too that I was able to
witness like the PAESUGAY, animal housing, and quiz bowl. These activities tested the
students familiarity and mastery on the course. Finally, the day ended with the declaration of the
Mr. and Ms. PSAE PPG 2016. Our contenders both got the 2 nd runner up and they beautifully
were able to represent USeP with grace, poise, and wit.

THIRD DAY: WEDNESDAY- The

November
9, 2016
2nd runner
up
2nd Day Groupie Before the
and I
Contest

Selfie with Mr. 2nd Runner

up

WEDNESDAY THE TOUR DAY!

Sir
OperatingPhoto
Manager of
Groupie
In NAPOCOR, with the 3 Hydroelectric
Plant Pipes at theat
Bukidnon Unifrutti Orientation and
Background
Unifrutti
Bukidnon
Insights
Input About
the Theme

When in PCC: USeP 21st PSAE-PPGSUMIFRU

Conventionfrom the Bus Window View
Participants

Wednesday tour day was unforgettable to me. Our first destination was Pulangi IV
Hydroelectric Plant and it was astounding to be able to get in and get a glimpse on the controls
of the operations. We had a short but very informational discussion on how water from the
rivers utilized and converted to electric power as well as its importance to the community and
even to our lives. With the short presentation, we were able to realize what our Hydrology, Fluid
Mechanics, and Irrigation subjects were for and how essential it would be to acquire lasting

knowledge on these subjects for possible jobs in the future. Personally, being able to visit the
hydroelectric plant made me appreciate the essence of my course.
After a quick tour at NAPOCOR, we had a stopover at the Philippine Carabao Center for
refreshments. There were a lot of delicious dairy products which I commend. Our next
destination was at SUMIFRU in Valencia, Bukidnon for pineapple production site. They were
very strict about not bringing any cameras or wallets inside. From the site, we were able to
witness how pineapples are sorted out as per quality and handled after post-harvest. We were
able to get inside the handling center with head gear and after being whisked. Since the
pineapples are for export they required thorough sanitation practices so its understandable.
Besides that, we were able to watch the pineapples being washed, selected, sorted, and
packed.

Additionally, the soil scientist expert of SUMIFRU discussed about how to grow

pineapples and all the requirements, identifying the right quality for export, and the mechanism
on how to care for the pineapple as its starting to grow. Sir was a humorous speaker with a lot
of resounding information and conviction up on his sleeve. In addition, I got to say their
pineapples were truly sweet and juicy and it was good of them to send us home with a bunch of
pineapples for free.
Our last destination for the day was at Unifrutti. The operating manager talked about
waste management as well as the handling of bananas for packaging. At the packing plant, we
were able to talk with the workers, observe the processes, and even try what theyre doing if we
want to. Everyone was friendly and the manager was accommodating that we were free to tour
the area. As much as wed still love to visit some more places like the CRYSTAL, it was time for
us to go home to our quarters as its already late and the night was already calling. I had a
sound sleep after that fruitful day.

FOURTH DAY: THURSDAY- November 10, 2016

At the Grandstand after the Unity Dance with Sir Ruel and the 39
USeP Participating Bayaws

3:00 am, the very early wake up call. It was BAYAW DAGAN time! The course was just
around CMU but it was still no easy thing. I hadnt fully run but I could still remember how much
sweat I released jogging through the hilly terrain and the long distance route. The fun run was
then followed by the invigorating ZumBAYAW and the Unity Dance Contest where I was the
videographer. The delegation still made me laugh a little. Still, seeing my Bayaws cheering and
dancing with our assistant adviser was truly amusing. The day was also filled with sport
activities and I wouldnt forget how much AEMazing race made a very unforgettable moment in
my whole convention week. The race was a test combination on physical strength, logic,
strategy, and teamwork. We experienced running till we can run no more, crawling, jumping,
rolling, singing, and many more. At the end of the race, we were very happy to be able to first
find the AEMazing banner through the map puzzle pieces collected by accomplishing 10
stations. The activity left us in grimes and muscle pains; however it didnt stop our grins. It may
be just a game but it did give me a lasting impression that the more hardships and pain, the
more sweet the success will be. At the end, youd feel self-fulfillment--appreciating both the
obstacles and achievement much more. Whats more?
Later that night was the Macho Gay 2016 pageant which everyone looked forward for.
Held at the University pool, the area was full of laughter and cheerful thoughts. The contenders

were in bright splendor bringing out a beauty no one would expect. I was in awe of these
contestants because they were entertaining and they want to make all other Bayaws happy
despite them being outside their gender comfort zone. It was also the night for rewarding
ceremony and as one of USeP delegates in the 21 st PSAE-PPG Convention it made me proud
knowing that over all, we were still able to make it to the 3 rd runner up. In the whole duration of
the convention, our adviser and especially our assistant adviser deserved to be greatly thanked
for all the strong support and for being with us at all activities. The 39 participants from USEP
also deserved to be complimented for giving out their best despite the lack of preparation and
for the active participation in all the competitions. It was a fun filled, successful, and fruitful
convention week. Kudos to everyone!

AEMazing Race Big 8 Team Champion With the Guide-Bayaw

Shine

Macho Gay
Preparation with Sir
Ruel In Action

Taking a Pose Before Bayaw Dagan

At the Awarding Ceremony

FIFTH DAY:
FRIDAY- November
11, 2016

The AECon2016 weeks finally over. Home Run Time! It was high time to say goodbye to
the relaxing RR Spring Resort, to the cold Bukidnon wind, and to all other Bayaws. Yet, we
shouldnt bid goodbye to all the learning, information, details, lessons, even values acquired
from the convention. I would take it as another treasure to carry with me in order to grow more
as an agricultural engineering student and to develop my potentials in the course I had chosen.
Besides, my experience would be another reminder on the importance of practicing the
profession with social responsibility. Special thanks to CMU for hosting the event, to all our
BAYAWS from the 10 other schools, to our drivers for driving us home safely and for stopping by
at the overview. God bless everyone!