A growing number of young Filipino agricultural and biosystems engineers are choosing to stay in the Philippines, opting to apply their skills to uplift their homeland rather than pursuing opportunities abroad. This commitment was underscored during the recent Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Youth Summit, where young professionals gathered to share knowledge and tackle some of the country’s pressing agricultural challenges.
In her keynote address, Juana Tapel, PhD, Assistant Director of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (DA-BAFE), urged attendees to consider the impact of their decision to serve locally. With over 34 years of experience in both the private and government sectors, Tapel highlighted the crucial role young engineers can play in addressing issues like food security. “If all of us leave the Philippines, who will love our country?” she asked. “We have to help our country. Please… I am encouraging you to help our country, so that we can get up.”
The summit resonated with many participants who face the tempting allure of higher salaries and advanced training abroad. However, the prevailing sentiment among attendees was a dedication to serve their communities and contribute to national development.
Tapel drew on her own family’s choices to emphasize the significance of staying in the Philippines. She shared that her children, despite having careers in fields that offer attractive opportunities overseas, have also chosen to build their futures at home. “It’s a commitment that is not just mine, but one that spans generations,” she stated.
This familial dedication reflects a broader trend among young engineers prioritizing service over economic gain. Many attendees expressed their desire to effect change and address pressing issues, such as food security and environmental sustainability, through their work in the local context.
While the summit served as a rallying point for commitment, it also highlighted the challenges facing young engineers in the Philippines. Tapel addressed issues such as limited resources, bureaucratic obstacles, and the need for improvements in the educational system. She emphasized that the current generation of engineers must be equipped with practical skills to meet real-world demands. “If our educational systems are neglected, we will feel it 5 to 10 years from now,” she warned.
Her message underscored the urgency of reforming the education system to ensure that engineers are prepared to tackle the nation’s challenges. The attendees were reminded that their contributions to local infrastructure are vital for both current and future generations.
The summit reinforced the belief that staying in the Philippines is both a practical and moral decision. Speakers urged attendees to leverage their skills to create solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the agricultural sector. “You need to strive for that,” Tapel said. “I hope that the next days will be fruitful, as usual. And when you go home, I hope that you will remember what you learned here and share it with others.”
As the summit concluded, the young engineers left with a renewed sense of purpose, recognizing their potential to drive meaningful change in their communities. By choosing to remain and serve, they are not only rejecting the allure of foreign opportunities but also embracing the responsibility of building a sustainable future for their homeland.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DA BAFE INFORMATION OFFICE