221 Farmers in Davao del Sur Receives Agricultural Inputs under the DA-BSWM’s ABFS Program

Two hundred twenty one (221) farmer beneficiaries received agricultural inputs from the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management’s (DA-BSWM) Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) Program. Under the leadership of Director Gina Parde-Nilo, Ph.D., the DA-BSWM is in its continuous effort to promote sustainable agriculture and improve rice and corn productivity,

In Bansalan, 91 farmer-beneficiaries received a combination of inorganic and organic fertilizers, while 79 farmers from Magsaysay, and 51 farmers from Kiblawan benefited from the input distribution, respectively. 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.

This initiative, aimed at enhancing yields through the judicious and science-based application of fertilizers, was successfully implemented by the Soil and Water Access Team (SWAT) – Region 11, headed by Team Leader Ms. Sharon Elvi Marie Cachopero and Alternate Team Leader Mr. Mark Anthony Paga, with team members Jonathan Daquil, Danisa Panis, Gleen Rondina, Farrah Ketz Cabudoy, and Apple Singcol playing vital roles in the on-ground operations.

The ABFS Program aims to empower 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 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. “This program is not just about input distribution—it’s about equipping our farmers with sustainable practices that will yield long-term benefits,” she stated.

The implementation was made possible with the active support of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 11, Provincial Agriculture Office of Davao del Sur, Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAgrO) of Bansalan, Magsaysay and Kiblawan, whose on-the-ground coordination ensured that all logistical aspects—from farmer validation to distribution scheduling—were efficiently handled.

Farmer-beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the assistance came at a crucial time for the 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 program’s scientific framework.

The collaborative efforts between the BSWM, DA-RFO 11, PAgrO-Davao del Sur, MAgrO’s, and the local farming communities of Davao del Sur 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 farmers.