The Agricultural Training Institute of Central Luzon (ATI-CL), in collaboration with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), organized a 10-day training on the topographic and hydrologic survey under the Rice Program held at ATI-CL in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, from April 3 to April 12, 2024.
The training aimed to equip Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (ABE) from various LGUs and Department of Agriculture (DA) bureaus and offices with the necessary skills to gather preliminary data for water resources development projects using surveying equipment.
Additionally, the participants learned how to prepare topographic maps using computer-aided software.
Dr. Jovita B. Agliam, Acting Provincial Agriculturist of Nueva Ecija, extended a warm welcome to all participants and delivered an inspiring message.
Dr. Agliam emphasized the importance of strengthening ABEs to contribute to the advancement of the agricultural sector in the country. The Acting Provincial Agriculturist also highlighted the significance of the training in enhancing the participants' skills in designing small water impounding projects, crucial for agricultural development.
The discussions centered on the pivotal role of topographic surveys in identifying suitable locations for constructing small water impounding projects. Surveys provide essential data for site development, drainage studies, and map creation.
Engr. Jerson T. Pagador, Engr. Erwin B. Renos, Engr. Mark Jon L. Bibal, and Engr. Jeancelle M. Morales, from BSWM, shared their expertise during the sessions.
Engr. Alberto E. De Guzman, Chief of Design and Engineering Section, and Engr. Diosdado N. Manalus, OIC, Chief of Water Resources Management Division, also contributed as a panelist, providing valuable feedback on the participants' output.
Furthermore, hands-on activities allowed participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge using real-time kinetic (RTK) and total station equipment for topographic surveys in the Science City of MuΓ±oz, Nueva Ecija.
This practical experience greatly enhanced the participants' surveying skills, particularly in identifying suitable areas for small water impounding projects.
Furthermore, Engr. Alberto De Guzman, Chief, Design and Engineering Section of BSWM, commended all the ABE for their dedication and successful completion of the program. He emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge gained during the training with their colleagues, emphasizing collaboration and continuous learning within the agricultural community.
Engr. Argeo Salise, Engineer I of the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division, Region VII, shared his insights on the training. βThe Training on Topographic and Hydrologic Survey serves as the foundation for me. As an Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer, I have to use the knowledge and skills that I have learned in this training to help our farmers address the problem, especially in irrigation,β he said.
Moreover, Engr. Froilan C. Ramos also revealed that the training is important for him. βAs an AgriculturalΒ and Biosystem Engineer, this training will help me in my field of work. As an assistant irrigation officer, I can apply my knowledge from this training to validating possible irrigation projects for the farmer using this advanced instrument and applications in the near future.β
Written by:Β Frevalyn V. Atienza
