The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), under the Department of Agriculture (DA), will be celebrating its 74th Anniversary with the theme “Be Strong and Wise in the Management of Soils and Water Resources for Agriculture: 74 Years of Excellence in the Science of Soil and Water Management and Technology.” The event which became a tradition for the BSWM, has lined-up three-month long celebration activities including the following – Sportsfest, Technical Seminars, PRAISE Awarding Ceremony, Retiree’s Homecoming, among others.

The Kick-Off Ceremony was held on March 24 to officially commence the anniversary and celebration activities. The Soil and Water Resources Research Division (SWRRD), headed by Dr. Karen S. Bautista, hosts this year’s anniversary activities.

The Kick-Off started with the regular Flag Raising Ceremony, Oath of a Government Personnel and Quality Policy. It was followed by the Parade of Colors where the BSWM employees marched within the perimeters of the compound. The color groupings are composed of the following –

Pink Team – Laboratory Services

Purple Team – Assessment and Mapping

Green Team – Administrative Group

Yellow Team – Technical Assistance

Blue Team – Research Centers

During her message, Director Gina Parde-Nilo, Ph.D. recognized the efforts of the SWRRD, and acknowledged the entire staff for the preparations for the Kick-off activities. Likewise, she explained the “Tatak BSWM, Tatak Pinoy” which is also aligned with the agency’s core values: Patriotism, Integrity, Excellence and Spirituality (PIES). The Torch Lighting Ceremony, and Oath of Sportsmanship followed thereafter. To officially commence and mark the different activities for the BSWM 74th Anniversary Celebration, Director Nilo, and Assistant Director Denise A. Solano did the Basketball Shooting, and “Pukpok Palayok”.

The Divisions and Centers gave great and lively performances during the Cheerdance Competition. The competition encourages camaraderie and unity among the performers. For this event, seasoned dancers were invited as judges including –

Dr. Jennifer Taylan-de Jesus – Director at the Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Leisure Studies from Central Luzon State University (CLSU),

Ms. Nedie D. Bataller – member of PNU Kislap Sining Dance Troupe, and Faculty from New Era High School, and

Ms. Reverica Q. Pascual – Freelance Zumba Instructor and Choreographer.

The Technical Assistance Team emerged as the Best Cheerdance Group; the Administrative Group, and the Laboratory Services won the 1st & 2nd runner-up respectively.

The presence of the Ravens Band from New Era High School (NEHS) also contributed to the festive mood during the event as they rendered their piece using the drum and lyre, as well as the lively and energetic performance of the entire BSWM family during the “Zumba for All” led by Dr. de Jesus. In case of accidents and to ensure provision of first aid, the SWRRD also sought assistance from the Bureau of Fire Protection – Emergency Medical Service (BFP-EMS).

The Sports Events included – Basketball Shootout and Volleyball. The Laboratory Services Division won in the Basketball Shootout; for the Volleyball Event the Technical Assistance Team won in the Volleyball Event. The Administrative Team, and Laboratory Services Division, won the 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.

For the Palarong Pinoy, the contestants hurdled different tasks, and underwent through the trail. Mr. Ricardo Dolina survived the stages of all challenges and emerged as the “Galing BSWM” awardee.

(Angelita Esguerra, SWRRD)