The Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE) successfully conducted the Orientation and Workshop on the CvSU Research Agenda and Immersion Opportunities on March 20, 2025, at the CEIT Conference Room. The event was attended by 3rd-year BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (BSABE) students taking ABEN 200A – Thesis I, with the primary goal of aligning student research with the University’s research agenda and introducing them to various research centers.
The program began with an opening message from Engr. Al Owen Roy A. Ferrera, DAFE Chairperson, who emphasized that research should be driven by passion and the desire to help others. Following this, Dr. Ruel M. Mojica, University Professor and DAFE faculty member, delivered an inspirational message, stressing the importance of motivation and problem identification in research. Dr. Mojica also presented CvSU’s research agenda, highlighting five thematic areas: Agri-Fisheries and Food Security; Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation; Smart Engineering, ICT; Social Development and Equality; and Public Health and Welfare, emphasizing the significant role of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (ABEs) in these fields.
Engr. John Paulo M. Perido, DAFE Research Coordinator, then introduced the University’s research centers, guiding students on where they could seek assistance for their research. This was followed by faculty members sharing their research experiences and expertise to inspire students in selecting their thesis topics.
After a lunch break, Engr. Vincent V. Vergara, Department MIS Coordinator, presented Ideas to Assets: Building Thesis Topics with IP in Mind, stressing that a thesis is more than an academic requirement—it reflects students’ innovation and intellectual capabilities. Next, Engr. Melrose M. Salona-Perido, DAFE OJT Coordinator, discussed the Opportunities in the BSABE Immersion Program, presenting various Host Training Establishments (HTEs) available for students' midyear on-the-job training.
The afternoon session featured a breakout workshop where students grouped based on their research interests aligned with their chosen ABE major field. Each group then presented their initial research ideas to the plenary. The event concluded with closing remarks from Engr. John Paulo M. Perido, reinforcing the importance of conducting research that contributes to both academic growth and community development.
The orientation and workshop provided a platform for both faculty and students to strategize the future of the department in research, development, and extension. It is expected that this initiative will help produce responsive research projects that can be extended to communities and other stakeholders. (VVVergara)
