The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering – College of Engineering and Food Science conducted a monitoring visit to the Shell Training Farm (STF), a partner farmer’s learning center of CBSUA in San Antonio, Bombon, Camarines Sur, on February 6, 2026. The purpose of the monitoring is to evaluate the water resource technologies installed under the extension program and to explore additional opportunities for technical collaboration.
The highlight of the monitoring visit is to inspect the performance of the water resource technologies installed in the STF under the extension program of the BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. The team observed that the farm’s rainwater harvesting facility remains fully operational and is used in crop production. It supports both irrigation and domestic water needs that continuously contribute to improved water sustainability and reduced reliance on external water utilities. Meanwhile, the existing drip irrigation system was found to require repair and maintenance to restore its efficiency in water use and crop production.
Aside from the water system assessment, the visit highlighted several technological interventions that could further enhance STF’s sustainability initiatives. Among these is the proposed installation of a biogas system to convert animal and kitchen waste into renewable energy. The technology is expected to reduce waste while producing biogas for heat generation. Capacity-building activities, including staff and farmer training on operation and maintenance, were also recommended.
Additionally, the team identified the potential adoption of a recirculating aquaculture system to support fish and tilapia production. This system would enable sustainable fish farming through efficient water reuse and may serve as a learning site for farmers in tilapia production for their additional livelihood opportunity. To further strengthen farm operations, the installation of an additional irrigation system at the nursery area was recommended to ensure a consistent water supply for seedling production and the installation of micro-overhead sprinkler systems.
Present during the visit were Mr. James S. Bruma, Site Administrator of Shell Training Farm–Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., along with DABE-CEFS technical consultants, Engr. Julius L. De Villa and Engr. Cherryflor R. Balingasa.
The monitoring activity underscores the continuing commitment of DABE-CEFS to providing technical support and promoting sustainable and resource-efficient agricultural engineering technologies for partner institutions and farming communities. Both parties expressed interest in pursuing future collaborations to enhance agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability at Shell Training Farm and its service communities. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘔𝘳. 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘯 𝘙. 𝘔𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯, 𝘌𝘚𝘋; 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘳. 𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘶𝘴 𝘓. 𝘋𝘦 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢
