By Kenneth Marcos 
Farmers, engineers, and agriculture advocates from across Visayas and Mindanao were preparing for a major regional summit when nature took an unexpected turn.
The Visayas and Mindanao-Wide Collaborative Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Summit, originally scheduled for October 15–17, 2025, at The Pinnacle Hotel and Suites in Davao City, has been officially cancelled following the earthquake that struck the region on October 10.
Organizers announced the cancellation as a safety precaution, citing concerns for the well-being of participants, staff, and stakeholders in light of the recent seismic activity.
Safety first after October 10 quake
The earthquake, which shook parts of Mindanao and was felt in Davao City, prompted authorities and organizers to reassess holding large indoor gatherings. While no major damage was immediately reported at the event venue, caution prevailed as aftershocks remained possible and the need for structural safety checks continued.
“Though we were looking forward to productive discussions and partnerships during the summit, we value everyone’s safety above all else,” the organizing committee said in an official statement. “We deeply regret the inconvenience this may cause, but we trust in everyone’s understanding during this time.”
Summit aims postponed, not abandoned
The now-cancelled summit was expected to bring together hundreds of professionals in the field of agricultural and biosystems engineering, including representatives from state universities and colleges (SUCs), local government units, and farmer cooperatives.
The goal was to strengthen collaboration in applying engineering solutions to agricultural problems—such as irrigation, post-harvest systems, climate-smart farming, and mechanization—all crucial to increasing productivity and resilience in rural communities.
Organizers assured participants that while the event will no longer push through as planned, efforts to achieve its goals will continue in future events or alternative platforms.
A call for continued support and unity
As the region recovers from the effects of the earthquake, the agricultural sector is encouraged to remain focused on resilience and adaptation. Many areas in Visayas and Mindanao are highly vulnerable to natural disasters, making collaboration and technology adoption more critical than ever.
Organizers expressed gratitude to registrants, sponsors, and partners for their support and encouraged them to stay tuned for updates regarding possible rescheduling or related initiatives.
“We remain committed to building a stronger, smarter agricultural future. This is only a pause, not an end,” the statement added.
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