In a continuous effort to promote sustainable agriculture and improve rice productivity, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM), under the leadership of Director Gina Parde-Nilo, Ph.D. and Assistant Director Denise A. Solano, distributed agricultural inputs to farmer beneficiaries of the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) Program in the municipalities of Sto. Tomas and Kapalong, Davao del Norte. This was held on May 14 and 15, 2025.
This initiative, aimed at enhancing rice yields through the judicious and science-based application of fertilizers, was successfully implemented by the Soil and Water Access Team (SWAT) โ Region 11, headed by Team Leader Ms. Sharon Elvi Marie Cachopero and Alternate Team Leader Mr. Mark Anthony Paga, with team members Jonathan Daquil, Gleen Rondina, Jay-ar Nicor, and Farrah Ketz Cabudoy,with the support from the Compost Production Implementation Team (CPIT โ Region 11) playing vital roles in the on-ground operations.
In Sto. Tomas, 113 farmer-beneficiaries received a combination of inorganic and organic fertilizers, while 78 farmers from Kapalong likewise benefited from the input distribution. These fertilizers, essential components of the ABFS framework, were distributed with technical guidance to ensure that application follows the balanced fertilization principles promoted by the program.
The ABFS Program aims to empower rice farmers by providing both the resources and knowledge necessary to improve soil fertility while preserving ecological balance. Through a calculated mix of organic and inorganic fertilizers, the program promotes optimal nutrient management tailored to the specific needs of local rice fields.
In the Message of Team Leader Ms. Sharon Elvi Marie Cachopero, she emphasized the importance of the initiative in advancing national food security and farmer resilience in the face of changing environmental and market conditions. โThis program is not just about input distributionโitโs about equipping our farmers with sustainable practices that will yield long-term benefits,โ she stated.
The implementation was made possible with the active support of the Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAgrO) of both Sto. Tomas and Kapalong, whose on-the-ground coordination ensured that all logistical aspectsโfrom farmer validation to distribution schedulingโwere efficiently handled.
Farmer-beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the assistance came at a crucial time for the rice farming season. More importantly, they have committed to adhering to the protocols and recommendations of the ABFS Program, ensuring that the inputs provided will be utilized effectively and responsibly in line with the programโs scientific framework.
The collaborative efforts between the BSWM, MAgrOโs, and the local farming communities of Davao del Norte stand as a testament to the power of partnership in advancing sustainable agriculture. With continued support and education, initiatives like the ABFS Program are poised to significantly uplift the productivity and livelihoods of Filipino rice farmers.
(Mark Anthony Paga, NSWRRDC HighPEZ)
