Baybay City, Leyte - To enhance the capabilities of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (ABEs), a comprehensive Farm Bridge Design Training was conducted at Hall C, ATI-RTC 8, VSU, Baybay City, Leyte, from September 18 to 22, 2023. The training aimed to equip them with the technical knowledge and skills in designing agricultural farm bridges to ensure safety and durability.
This training was specifically requested by the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) through the Regional Field Office 8-Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RFO8-RAED). Participants in the training were selected from registered ABEs representing various Local Government Units (LGUs) in Region 8 with infrastructure projects, especially agri-infrastructures and Farm to Market Roads (FMRs) projects.
Experts from Visayas State University – College of Engineering and Technology discussed the basic design principles, parameters, requirements plans and drawings, detailed cost estimates, and program of works (POW) for farm bridges. A feasibility study and analysis of farm bridges and other agricultural structures was also incorporated, providing a more comprehensive understanding of not just the technical aspects of bridge projects.
Engr. Madelyn C. Capuras, one of the participants from LGU- Leyte, Leyte, expressed her appreciation for the training's practicality and relevance to her role as an ABE. She mentioned, "This training is very relevant to me as an ABE assigned at the local level, who from time to time handles or designs infrastructure projects, specifically agri-infrastructures or FMR projects."
She further emphasized the importance of the knowledge gained from the training, especially in addressing obstructions and depressions that often arise in FMR projects, stating, "Simply knowing the basics from selecting an appropriate kind of bridge for the site down to designing the bridge considering those design parameters/analysis discussed in our training is a very helpful contribution of knowledge to me to be able to design well in terms of structural integrity and financial feasibility."
The Farm Bridge Design Training successfully empowered ABEs to play a pivotal role in improving agri-infrastructure projects, ultimately contributing to the prosperity of the agricultural sector in Region 8 and beyond. As these engineers return to their respective LGUs armed with newfound knowledge, their impact on farm bridge design and overall project success is expected to be substantial. (Written by Christian Keruel Y. Laurente)
