The DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) officially marked the emergence of the Provincial Soil Laboratory (PSL) and the deployment of the Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL) in the Province of Palawan with a Memorandum-of-Agreement (MOA) Signing and Groundbreaking ceremony held on March 6, 2025 in the Municipality of Rizal, Palawan. This milestone reflects the DA-BSWMโs impetus to restore nay maintain soil fertility across the Philippines.
The ceremony included the signing of a MOA to establish a mutually beneficial partnership between the Department of Agriculture, represented by DA-Undersecretary for Operations and Agrifisheries Mechanization and Rural Credit Engr. Roger V. Navarro; the DA-BSWM headed by Director Gina Parde-Nilo, Ph.D. and the Local Government officials of Palawan. Notable signatories also included Palawan 2nd District Congressman Hon. Jose C. Alvarez, Municipal Mayor of Dr. Jose P. Rizal Hon. Norman S. Ong, Municipal Mayor of Brookeโs Point Hon. Cesareo R. Benedito, Jr., and Municipal Mayor of Aborlan Hon. Jaime M. Ortega. Also present were Municipal Agriculturists Mr. Peter C. Brevante (LGU Dr. Jose P. Rizal), Mr. Renato A. Bacosa (LGU Brookeโs Point), and Engr. Erwin I. Yadao (LGU Aborlan), as well as BSWM Property Officer Mr. Jodi L. Rico, who affixed their signatures as witnesses to the MOA.
Expected gains from this joint venture is in achieving the overall goal of the current administration in improving and sustaining soil health in the country.
In his statement, Usec. Engr. Navarro emphasized the importance of soil health for Palawanโs farmers, stating, “Soil health is fundamental to the agricultural prosperity of Palawan. This new laboratory will provide the tools and resources needed to boost productivity and ensure the sustainability of our farmers’ livelihoods. The establishment of this facility will help improve soil quality and, in turn, contribute to higher yields in the province.”
Director Gina Parde-Nilo who authored and initiated the NSHP, underscored the significance of this partnership in advancing the governmentโs plans to promote sustainable soil management in the country. โThis project represents a monumental step in our commitment to sustainable agriculture. The collaboration with local stakeholders and government officials is a perfect example of how we can work together for a healthier, more productive future for our farmers,โ Parde-Nilo said.
She further acknowledged the tireless efforts of the Palawan local government, whose contributions were pivotal in reaching this milestone. โThe local governmentโs support has been invaluable in making this project a reality, and we are confident that this will usher in more progress and development for the province,โ Parde-Nilo added.
With the execution of the said MOA, the DA-BSWM has been one step in providing a holistic and systematic approach addressing soil health to ensure sustainable use and management of soil resources, enhanced agricultural productivity, and increased farmers income.
(JEFechalin, Information Unit)
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