by Maria Nicole Silva and John Paul Siapel
Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-Gensan) marked its return as host of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers - Pre-Professional Group (PSABE-PPG) Mindanao-Wide Convention after a decade-long interval.
Previously held at Caraga State University, the 2024 Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Convention (ABECon) is the third time MSU-Gensan has hosted this prestigious event. Bringing together 11 participating chapters from across Mindanao.
Photo by: PSABE-PPG
The five-day convention, held from November 18 to 22, features Mr. and Ms. PSABE PPG Mindanao, major competitions such as the Quiz Bee, Farmstead Design and Scaling, CAD Challenge, Mapping Challenge, PABESUGAY, Surveying Challenge, Tractor Rodeo, and Machine Parts Identification. Minor events include Creative Salakot Making, Essay Writing, Jingle Contest, Hataw ni Bayaw, Bench Yell competition, Extemporaneous Speech, Dagliang Talumpati, Facebook DP Frame Contest, Larong Pinoy, Men’s basketball, Mix Volleyball, Pagsulat ng Sanaysay, Picture Parody, Poster Making Contest, Same-day Edit, Video Parody, and MLBB Tournament.
Participating schools include Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC), University of Southern Mindanao (USM), MSU-Maguindanao, MSU-Gensan, MSU-Marawi, Central Mindanao University (CMU), University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines-Claveria (USTP-Claveria), Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), and Davao del Sur State College (DSSC).
The convention officially opened on November 18 at the MSU-Gensan Gymnasium, gathering 700 participants for this landmark event.
Empowering Young Engineers
Engr. Crestituto Mangaoang, a BOT member of PSABE Inc., emphasized the vital role of young engineers in shaping the future of the organization. He highlighted the importance of collaboration and continuous learning to bridge generational gaps and unlock untapped potential.
"ABEs ultimately lead to growth and mark their potentials," he stated. Mangaoang also stressed the necessity for agricultural and biosystems engineers, regardless of age, to be trained, retrained, skilled, upskilled, retooled, upgraded, and upscaled while fostering values and attitudes essential for a progressive economy.
Participants' POV
Embracing Camaraderie and Opportunities
Armand Roque L. Diez, a 3rd Year BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (BSABE) student from the University of Southern Mindanao, shared his enthusiasm for ABECon 2024.
“I want to share and impart to everyone the spirit of what we call Bayawnihan since we are all Bayaws here. Through this, we are building connections for future opportunities, whether in employment, board exams, or partnerships to create innovative products or machines for Mindanao's agri-fisheries sector,” he said.
Diez also emphasized the camaraderie and unity fostered during the event despite the challenges participants faced in attending the convention.
Building Connections
Nurol-Ameen Abdullah Alang, a 3rd Year BSABE student from MSU-Maguindanao, highlighted the significance of strengthening bonds within the PSABE community.
“The importance of ABECon is, first and foremost, to build connections within the PSABE community. Aside from the knowledge we gain, this event also motivates us to build confidence in our field,” he explained.
Despite logistical challenges, Alang expressed gratitude for the experience.
“As an MSUan from Mindanao State University-Maguindanao, the trip to MSU-Gensan takes more than three hours. Preparation was also done in a short time, but overall, we had a lot of fun,” he shared.
Gwyneth Pearl Javier, President of PSABE-PPG MSU-Gensan also expressed her gratitude in hosting the event, noting, "We are very happy that Bayaws from different state universities in Mindanao came here to celebrate this milestone with us. It is an honor to host this big event. We are lucky to have reached 700 participants. We hope to give honor to our future profession."
Beyond Competitions
The 2024 ABECon serves as more than just a platform for competitions. It fosters collaboration, learning, and camaraderie among aspiring agricultural and biosystems engineers. By uniting students from across Mindanao, the convention solidifies its role as a stepping stone toward innovative solutions for the agri-fisheries sector and beyond.
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