In order to further promote sustainable rice farming and enhance local productivity, a Technical Briefing and Capacity Building on the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) for Rice was successfully held on March 4โ5, 2026, in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, and on March 11โ12, 2026, in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur.
The four-day activity brought together a total of 400 participants for two sites, composed of rice farmers, agricultural technicians, and multidisciplinary experts in a collective effort to strengthen agricultural practices. Organized by the Department of Agriculture โ Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) under the leadership of Director Gina Parde-Nilo, the Soil and Water Access Team (SWAT) of Region 11 led by Ms. Sharon Elvi Marie Cachopero, Team Leader; with Mr. Mark Anthony I. Paga, Alternate Team Leader; and Team Members Mr. Jonathan J. Daquil; Ms. Danisa B. Panis; Ms. Farrah Ketz Cabudoy, Region XI Chemist; and Ms. Apple Queen Singcol, Region XI Staff, the initiative was carried out in close collaboration with the DAโRegional Field Office (RFO) 11, the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgrO) of Davao del Sur, the Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAgrO) of Bansalan and Magsaysay, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) โ Davao del Sur Irrigation Management Office, and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).
Experts from the DA-BSWM, DA-RFO 11 Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC), and PCIC facilitated in-depth discussions on soil fertility management, plant nutrition, pest and disease identification and control, as well as crop insurance. In addition, an Agro-Socio Economic survey was conducted by DA-BSWM personnel, Ms. Ronalyn Castro and Mr. Rommel Wamil, with the assistance of PAgrO and MAgrO staff, that provides participants with the opportunity to share valuable insights into the challenges they face in farming.
The event was honored by the presence of distinguished officials, including Mr. Zabiel Zacarias, DA-RFO 11 Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Research; Ms. Evelyn Basa, DA-RFO 11 Rice Focal; Mr. Raul Fueconcillo, Provincial Agriculturist of Davao del Sur; Ms. Uly Rose T. Lindong, Acting Municipal Agriculturist of Bansalan; Engr. Arthur Davin, Municipal Mayor of Magsaysay, Davao del Sur; and Mr. Randy Albores, Municipal Councilor of Bansalan and Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture.
The activity concluded with a commitment from the participants to adopt ABFS in the upcoming planting season, recognizing its value in improving productivity while ensuring long-term sustainability.
The Technical Briefing and Capacity Building aimed to equip farmers with science-based techniques to enhance rice productivity while maintaining soil health. The initiative emphasized the importance of balanced fertilization, integrating both organic and inorganic fertilizers to optimize yields and reduce production costs. This initiative is part of the BSWMโs campaign to mainstream adaptive, science-based farming solutions across rice-growing areas in the country.
The successful implementation of this program is expected to boost rice production in the region, ensuring food security and economic stability for local farmers.
