The Professional Regulatory Board of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (PRB-ABE) conducted its official inspection and monitoring visit at Agusan del Sur State University (ADSSU) on May 21, 2026, affirming the university’s compliance with national standards governing Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) education and practice.

The inspection team was composed of PRB-ABE Members Dr. Caesar Joventino M. Tado and Dr. Ireneo C. Agulto, assisted by Florindo C. Mercado of the Professional Regulation Commission Regional Office XIII.

The team was welcomed by ADSSU President Joy C. Capistrano, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance Carmelo S. Llanto, Dean of the College of Engineering and Industrial Technology Dr. Rodulfo Macalam, together with faculty members and students of the university’s Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering programs.

The inspection was conducted pursuant to Republic Act No. 8981, or the PRC Modernization Act of 2000, Republic Act No. 10915, otherwise known as the Philippine Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Act, and PRC Resolution No. 1471, Series of 2021, which mandates the inspection and monitoring of educational institutions offering programs related to regulated professions.

During the visit, the Board evaluated ADSSU’s compliance across instruction, research, extension, production, planning, and development functions. The inspection included the review of faculty credentials, program implementation, institutional facilities, research initiatives, and the university’s adherence to professional, ethical, and technical standards prescribed for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers.

Among the key findings, the Board noted that all seven Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers employed by the university possess valid Professional Identification Cards and licenses issued by the Professional Regulation Commission. The university likewise demonstrated compliance with CHED Memorandum Order No. 94, Series of 2017, governing the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering program, and has secured the corresponding Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC).

The Board further acknowledged ADSSU’s implementation of its Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Education Competitiveness Road Map for 2025–2034, which serves as a strategic framework for strengthening instruction, research, extension, and industry engagement in the discipline.

In terms of academic delivery, the inspection confirmed that licensed Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers are actively teaching ABE-related subjects not only in the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering program but also in related degree programs such as Agriculture, Agroforestry, and Fishery Technology. The Board also recognized the university’s efforts in faculty career progression, specialization, and participation in Continuing Professional Development activities, including professional conventions, seminars, and trainings.

The university’s Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) initiatives also received favorable assessment. ADSSU has established and adopted an Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Research, Development, and Extension Agenda and is currently implementing various completed and ongoing projects aligned with the needs of the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

A notable highlight of the inspection was the presence of an ABE faculty member accredited by the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering as a Test Engineer, positioning the university for future accreditation as a potential agricultural machinery testing center. The Board encouraged the institution to further expand its capabilities by training additional faculty members in agricultural machinery testing and evaluation.

The inspection team likewise recognized the university’s Planning Management Unit, where Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers are involved in the design, planning, implementation, and supervision of infrastructure and engineering-related projects. This demonstrates compliance with provisions of Republic Act No. 10915 requiring licensed ABEs to perform functions involving agricultural and biosystems engineering plans, designs, and technical specifications.

While the overall findings reflected substantial compliance, the Board recommended that the university strengthen its research agenda through a supply-and-demand study of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers in the Caraga Region. It also encouraged ADSSU to expand its extension initiatives by assisting local government units in establishing Provincial, City, and Municipal Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Offices, now recognized as mandatory positions under existing policies.

Following the inspection, the Professional Regulatory Board of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering recommended the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance, signifying ADSSU’s adherence to the professional, academic, and regulatory standards required under Philippine laws governing Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering education and practice.

The successful inspection underscores ADSSU’s continuing commitment to academic excellence, professional integrity, and its vital role in producing competent Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers who contribute to agricultural modernization, sustainable development, and food security in the region and the country.