The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM), through the Soil and Water Resources Research Division (SWRRD), successfully conducted the Inception Meeting for the project Enhanced Integrated Soil Nutrient Management for Pineapple (E-ISNM for Pineapple) Towards Improved Soil Health and Productivity (NSHP-ABFS-HVC Pineapple), on July 21, 2026 in Silang, Cavite. The collaborative activity brought together 50 participants, representing the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Silang, Cavite; Provincial Agriculturist Office; Municipal Agriculturist Office; Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council; and farmer cooperators from the Silang Pineapple Growers Association.
The Meeting commenced with the Welcome Remarks delivered by Ms. Shirley L. Villela, RAgr, the Municipal Agriculturist of Silang, Cavite. Ms. Villela emphasized the vital significance of this initiative to support the pineapple growers in the community. She also committed to provide their support for the success of the project implementation.
A comprehensive project overview was presented by the SWRRD Chief Science Research Specialist (SRS) and Project Leader, Dr. Karen S. Bautista, RAgr. She discussed the components of the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) and explained its effect on soil health, and its potential contribution to productivity and income of the farmers in the community. The project protocol was then presented by Ms. Jenny Anne. P. Escalona, RAgr, SWRRD Senior SRS and Team Leader, to provide guidance among farmer cooperators during the implementation of the field activities.
The President of the Silang Pineapple Growers Association, Mr. Romel A. Olores, responded by showing his appreciation to the technical assistance that will be provided by the DA-BSWM through the NSHP-ABFS-HVC Pineapple Project. To represent the Office of the Municipal Mayor, Hon. Pgen. Edward (Ted) E. Carranza (Tet.), Mr. Herminio B. Anarna as the Municipal External Affairs Officer, extended his greetings of warm welcome to the DA-BSWM project team. Mr. Anarna commended the ABFS technology and also shared his insights on indigenous farm practices of pineapple growers and it was likewise supported by MAFC Eugenio Pagkalinawan.
The milestone event concluded with the ceremonial signing of a Pledge of Commitment by the project farmer cooperators. This signing expresses mutual trust ensuring accountability and cooperation to successfully achieve the project goals and objectives.
Through enhanced integrated soil nutrient management, the DA-BSWM remains geared toward boosting local pineapple production while sustaining soil health and enhancing the livelihoods of Filipino farmers. (Jenny Anne P. Escalona, SWRRD)
#DA-BSWM #SoilHealth #ABFSPineapple #IntegratedSoilNutrientManagement #SustainableAgriculture #NationalSoilHealthProgram #LupatTubigAyPangalagaan
