The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) continues its Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL) operations for the third consecutive week, covering the municipalities of San Manuel, Moncada, and Anao in the Province of Tarlac from February 3-7, 2025. This initiative is in support of the implementation of the BSWM’s National Soil Health Program (NSHP) and PD 1435 which promotes science-based and holistic approaches in improving the soil health and crop productivity in the country.

With the strong leadership of BSWM Director Gina Parde-Nilo, Ph.D. who authored and initiated the NSHP, placed importance on the role of soil laboratories. Per PD 1435, BSWM is mandated to supervise, regulate and control the establishment and operations of all Soil Laboratories in the country. The MSL is an innovation that brings 3 As – Accessible, Available and Accurate Solutions to Soil Health. Through hands-on training, the activity enhanced the capabilities of farmers, farmers’ associations, and students from San Felipe National High School in proper soil sampling, use of soil test kits (STK) and BSWM FertRight Mobile Application – empowering them with essential knowledge for sustainable soil nutrient and fertilizer management.

In addition to this, a tour visit of the MSL facilities was also conducted with Ms. Milagros A. Mananggit, Chief of the Integrated Laboratories Division, along with Ms. Rosalie T. Laxamana, Chief of the Regional Soils Laboratory for Region III.

During the visit, they received a comprehensive overview of the MSL’s operations, with a focus on the advanced equipment and technologies used at the MSL for soil analysis.

This week, the MSL operation received 45 soil samples and conducted 228 analysis for soil chemical, physical, microbiological, and STK analysis. Additionally, 116 participants were trained through the activity, and 22 STKs were distributed to the Municipal Agriculture Offices.

Through the MSL operations, the DA-BSWM, ensures that soil health testing is accessible to all, bringing science-based soil solutions directly to the farmers and other stakeholders. By making these services readily available, DA-BSWM empowers communities with the knowledge and tools needed for sustainable soil management and improved agricultural productivity.

The MSL deployment team was composed of the LSD and SSD staff – LSD: Keyfej C. Ramos, Chemist II; Faye Arielli C. Butaran, Science Research Specialist II; Chino Manuel B. Antonio, Chemist III; Romeo C. Arocena Jr., Science Research Specialist I; Ms. Valerie A. Valdez, Project Assistant IV; Elijah S. Canlas, Science Research Specialist I; Jerome Keith S. Pascual, Science Research Analyst; and SSD: Marcelo P. Dayo, Supervising Agriculturist; Eloisa P. Santiago, Agriculturist II; Diether Miranda, Project Assistant III; Dosary Y. Dela Cruz, Project Assistant III; Pawilen Angel Damaso and Leah Mae Valdez (On-the-Job Trainees from Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University).

For more details about the MSL Operation, visit the official BSWM website (www.bswm.da.gov.ph).

(Laboratory Services Division and Soils Survey Division)

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