Trece Martires City, Cavite – In a concerted effort to enhance the agricultural and fisheries sectors of CALABARZON, the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) joined hands with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CALABARZON to conduct a specialized training course focused on feasibility study (FS) preparation and evaluation.
This intensive four-day training, held on September 26 to 29, 2023 brought together twenty (20) Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (ABEs) from BAFE, the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED) of Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office IV-A, and several Local Government Units in the region.
Resource persons from DA-BAFE headed by Engr. Allan C. Goleng, Engr. Alexander Nicole Tan, and ATI Training Coordinator (Mr. Mervin B. VItangcol) with ABE participants from CALABARZON
The significance of a well-executed FS in any project cannot be overstated, as it serves as a critical assessment of a proposed plan’s viability. Engr. Allan C. Goleng, in his opening remarks, highlighted the importance of assessing projects from different perspectives, including financial, economic, technical, social, marketing, and management aspects.
Such a comprehensive analysis not only ensures the viability of agri-fisheries infrastructure and mechanization projects but also identifies potential challenges and risks early in the planning phase, leading to more informed decision-making. In essence, FS serves as the compass guiding the journey of agri-fisheries infrastructure and mechanization projects, ensuring they embark on a path paved to success.
The training course delved into essential topics, including an overview of the Department of Agriculture’s guidelines and issuances on FS preparation and evaluation, fundamental concepts in performing economic and financial analysis, and the practical application of the Bytex Feasibility Analyzer Ver. 5.18. The participants actively engaged in discussions and hands-on exercises, gaining valuable insights into the technicalities of preparing FS.
One of the highlights of the training was the plenary discussion at its conclusion, during which selected participants presented their initial FS outputs. This provided an invaluable opportunity for them to receive feedback and suggestions from the experienced resource persons from BAFE and the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project, further enriching their understanding of FS preparation and evaluation.
Both ATI CALABARZON and BAFE hold pivotal roles in fostering the growth and modernization of the agricultural and fisheries sectors. Their combined efforts encompass training, education, advisory services, planning, implementation, evaluation, coordination, monitoring, and the development of agricultural mechanization and infrastructure.
By equipping ABEs and other stakeholders with the skills and knowledge required for robust feasibility studies, this collaboration promises to be a game-changer for the region.
Ultimately, the success of this training will be reflected in the development and modernization of CALABARZON’s agricultural and fisheries sectors. As participants gain proficiency in conducting feasibility studies, they will contribute significantly to the region’s growth by ensuring that only viable projects are pursued. This, in turn, will lead to more efficient resource allocation, improved productivity, and increased profitability, laying a strong foundation for the future of CALABARZON’s agriculture and fisheries industries. #TeamEPDSD ###DA-BAFE ICTST
Edited by: Mr. Marshall Louie Asis, MC
Report by: Engr. Richard Manolo