18/08/2026
𝐃𝐀𝐅𝐄 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐒𝐀𝐁𝐄 𝐂𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐖𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐔𝐩 𝐀𝐁𝐄𝐍-𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
The Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE), in partnership with the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (PSABE) – Cavite Chapter, has successfully concluded ABEN-Tech: An ABEN Technology Seminar Series 1.
Running from March to July 2026, the webinar series spanned five episodes composed of nine technical sessions and drew more than 250 participants, including researchers, industry practitioners, and academicians. All episodes were conducted via Zoom for registered participants and simultaneously livestreamed through Facebook Live, allowing wider and more inclusive participation throughout the series.
The webinar series was launched to showcase emerging Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABEN) technologies and to educate the public on current trends and innovations shaping the field. Through its sessions, DAFE and PSABE Cavite aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge that supports data-driven, sustainable, and innovation-focused decision-making in agriculture, in line with several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The series opened on March 20, 2026 with Episode 1, “Mapping the Future: GIS and Remote Sensing for Agriculture and Water Resources Management,” featuring Engr. Jose Carlo R. Dizon, DAFE faculty member and PhD scholar, who discussed the use of Geographic Information Systems for water-related risk assessment and spatial decision support, and Engr. Shan Addeyson B. de Taza, Environmental Management Specialist at the National Irrigation Administration – Cavite-Batangas Irrigation Management Office, who spoke on GIS applications for environmental and watershed management.
Episode 2, held on April 21, 2026, tackled “Technopreneurship: Changing the World through Social Enterprise.” Engr. Sheena Mae de Leon, Assistant Professor at DAFE, shared the story behind their startup and how their sustainable product can reshape the way we build, while Engr. Gee Jay C. Bartolome, Associate Professor and faculty researcher at Cavite State University, discussed technology and entrepreneurship in the academe.
On May 19, 2026, Episode 3 explored “From Data to Decisions: Simulation Techniques for Data-Driven Decision Making in Agricultural Systems.” Dr. Richelle Mae Mendoza-Olpot, DAFE Chairperson, presented on the application of food modeling into food processes, while Engr. Aeron R. Mojica, Assistant Professor at DAFE, discussed simulating agricultural systems for system analysis and decision-oriented evaluation.
Episode 4, conducted on June 26, 2026, centered on “Powering Sustainable Agriculture: Applications of Renewable Energy in Irrigation, Post-Harvest, and Agricultural Systems.” Engr. Arjay A. Arpia, Associate Professor at DAFE, spoke on advancing agricultural waste valorization to biochar research and innovation, while Engr. Laumar Alan Dave R. Grafilo, Engineering Consultant from Terra Cycle Solutions Inc. discussed transforming agricultural residues into renewable energy and circular agriculture systems.
The series closed on July 30, 2026 with Episode 5, “From Harvest to Market: Technologies in High-Value Crop Processing,” which featured Dr. Ruel M. Mojica, University Professor at Cavite State University, who spoke on the science behind coffee processing.
The successful staging of ABEN-Tech Series 1 was made possible through the leadership of PSABE Cavite, headed by Engr. Mariella Jezreel R. Oliver, and DAFE, headed by Dr. Richelle Mae Mendoza-Olpot, with the full support of the Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Willie C. Buclatin, ASEAN Engr.
With the first series complete, DAFE and PSABE Cavite are encouraging participants to apply what they have learned: from using GIS in local water resource and risk assessments, to exploring technopreneurship opportunities, employing simulation tools in research and design, integrating renewable energy into farm operations, and adopting better processing practices for high-value crops.
Building on the strong turnout and reception of Series 1, DAFE is looking to launch ABEN-Tech Series 2 soon, continuing its commitment to promoting inclusive, technology-driven, and sustainable advancements in agricultural and biosystems engineering.
