One for the books: A First for DAFE

Recognized as the 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩-𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙖𝙜𝙣𝙖 𝘾𝙪𝙢 𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙙𝙚 graduate of the Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE) under the College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT) at Cavite State University, 𝙀𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖 𝙆𝙚𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙏. 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙯 completed her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering degree with this distinction. She has since taken on the role of Research Assistant for an extension project implemented by DAFE while preparing for the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering licensure examination scheduled for 2026.

The project, titled "SAFE AgriBiyahe: Urban Food Production, Distribution Support, and Capacity Building for Transport-Dependent Households," is led by Dr. Richelle Mae D. Mendoza-Olpot, DAFE Chairperson, under the Galing PCAARRD Kontra Krisis (GPKK) Program of the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). The project was originally designed to support public utility vehicle drivers and transport-dependent households through the establishment of community pantries, capacity-building activities, and the adoption of technology packages for vegetable production and poultry raising. Through these interventions, beneficiary households are expected to gain improved access to agricultural produce and appropriate technologies, contributing to greater resilience and self-sufficiency during periods of economic or emergency stress.

Sanchez holds that the advancement of the Philippine agricultural sector depends on the extent to which technological interventions are matched to the actual conditions and requirements of farmers and fisherfolk. She regards the practical implementation of programs at the community level as the primary determinant of their success.

This orientation toward field-based, applied work is reflected in her undergraduate thesis, "Assessment of the Level of Mechanization for Fish Cage Aquaculture in Laurel, Batangas Using Fishery Mechanization Index (FishMI) and Other Indices." The study evaluated the mechanization level of fish cage aquaculture operations in Laurel, Batangas, drawing on field research and data collected from 50 industry stakeholders, and concluded with a set of operational recommendations for sustainable fisheries mechanization. She further developed this experience during her on-the-job training at the Municipal Agriculture Office of Laurel, Batangas, from July to August 2025, where she assisted local agricultural officers with municipal agricultural and biosystems programs, field evaluations, and community extension activities.

Besides graduating with flying colors, Sanchez's academic distinctions include a 2nd Runner-Up finish in PABEStigan 2026, a State Colleges and Universities National PABES Quiz Contest organized by UPLB-CEAT's Pioneer Academic Organization - UP SAGES, and a 2nd Runner-Up placement in the PSABE Pre-Professional Group Quiz Contest at the 21st PSABE IV-A Regional Convention 2025. She also served as President of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering - Pre-Professional Group (PSABE-PPG), Cavite State University Chapter, for Academic Year 2024–2025.

Outside her academic and professional responsibilities, Sanchez maintains a preference for reading fiction and following content on TikTok, activities she credits with sustaining her curiosity and awareness of developments beyond her field of specialization.

As a future agricultural and biosystems engineer, her background in field research, combined with her experience in community-level agricultural extension, positions her to contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector, alongside the agricultural engineers already serving communities across the country.

DAFE extends its best wishes to future engineer Sanchez as she continues her work on SAFE AgriBiyahe and prepares for the upcoming licensure examination (SLdeLeon).

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