26 ๐น๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ฆ 2025 | ๐ป๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐ก ๐น๐๐ ๐ก๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ด๐ต๐น๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐๐, ๐ถ๐๐ฃ๐๐ก๐
The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) marked a significant milestone with the first implementation of the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) for Rice in Naic, Cavite. In celebration of this achievement, the DA-BSWM held a Harvest Festival on February 26, 2025, in Brgy. Palangue II & III โ at the farm of Mr. Roberto Mojica, one of the dedicated farmer-cooperators. The festival showcased the programโs success and recognized the efforts of stakeholders in its implementation. Highlighting the event was the Ceremonial Harvest.
During the event, Soil and Water Access Team (SWAT) Team Leader for Region IV-A, ABFS Region IV-A Implementation Team Leader, and BSWM-National Soil and Water Resources Research and Development Center for Hillyland Pedo-Ecological Zone (NSWRRDC HILLPEZ) Center Chief Joven P. Espineli, on behalf of the BSWM Management, provided an overview of the ABFS for Rice program. He also discussed the agencyโs plans for the second cropping cycle in 2025, reinforcing the DA-BSWMโs commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
Furthermore, Senior Agriculturist Melody M. Orogo presented initial results from the first four farmer-cooperators, revealing a notable increase in yield in rice areas where the ABFS was implemented. Compared to the previous cropping cycle without intervention, farmers saw a significant improvement in production, validating the effectiveness of balanced fertilization techniques.
Moreover, Farmer-cooperators shared testimonials on their experiences with ABFS. Mr. Allan Tibayan encouraged fellow farmers to embrace the technology, stating, โMaraming bagay ang tinuturo sa atin na sana po ay patuloy nating sundin,โ urging them to continue supporting the program. He further emphasized that โsa patuloy nating paggamit ng tamang pamamaraan sa pagsasaka โฆ sa bulsa natin ang magiging pruweba,โ highlighting how adopting sustainable practices directly benefits farmersโ income.
The event was attended by DA-Regional Soil Laboratory IV-A Chemist IV Nora L. Talain, DA-Cavite Agricultural Research and Experiment Station Officer-in-Charge Dr. Dario M. Huelgas, PhilRice Science Research Specialist Marc Gene T. Lapitan, and Assistant Project Development Officer Ferdinand S. Aguilar. Representatives from the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), and the Naic Municipal Government were also present.
This activity was spearheaded by the ABFS Region IV-A Implementation Team composed of Senior Agriculturist Melody M. Orogo, Agriculturist II Aubrey Ann Ayaton-Carneo, Agriculturist I John Mark Carneo, Regional Science Research Analyst Goldwin S. Macasinag, Agriculturist II Marco T. Macopia, and Administrative Assistant III Ruzzelle Jane H. Madriaga under the leadership of Center Chief Joven P. Espineli.
Beyond celebrating a bountiful harvest, the Harvest Festival served as a platform to highlight the importance of collaboration in promoting sustainable rice farming and soil health management.
The BSWM, headed by Director Gina Parde-Nilo, Ph.D. and Assistant Director Denise A. Solano, remains steadfast in its commitment on the sustainable management of soil and water resources for agriculture.
Mariel Mae A. Alvis (NSWRRDC HILLPEZ)
