The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) headed by Director Gina Parde-Nilo, Ph.D. and Assistant Director Denise A. Solano through the Laboratory Services Division led by Chief Maribel R. Jalalon along with the Alternate Focal of PD1435 Ms. Florfina P. Sanchez successfully held the first day of the 5th General Assembly of PhilNASOLAN on November 6, 2024. The event took place through a hybrid setup at the Bendix Hotel in San Fernando, Pampanga, and online via the Zoom platform, with 30 onsite and 50 online participants. Attendees included PhilNASOLAN members from DA Regional Soil Laboratories and Satellite Soils Laboratories (DARSL/SATSLs), National Soil Laboratories and Provincial Soil Laboratories (NATSL/PRVSL), Private Laboratories (PL/INTSL), State Universities and Colleges Soil Laboratories (SUCSL/RESSL), and other DA agencies.
The assembly was honored by the presence of Director Gina Parde-Nilo, Ph.D., who delivered the Opening Message, setting the stage for the event. This was followed by DA Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols A. Manalo, who delivered the Keynote Message on behalf of DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., succeeded by a video message from Mr. Filippo Benedetti, the International Consultant for Soil Management and FAO-GLOSOLAN Coordinator.
Day 1 highlights included launching the Mobile Soils Laboratory (MSL), showcasing its features and implementation mechanism, followed by an interactive Q&A session. The PD1435 Website was also unveiled, streamlining the process for soil laboratories to obtain their License to Operate, with a detailed overview of its user interface (www.bswm.da.gov.ph/pd1435)
The day continued with presenting the highlights from the 4th General Assembly and 2024 Semi-Annual Meeting, reflecting vital organizational milestones. Finally, the Accomplishment Report of PD 1435 as PhilNASOLAN Chair was presented, covering updates from its core sections, including Regulatory, Quality Assurance, Laboratory Management Information Systems, and Technical Equipment and Instrument Calibration. This was followed by a productive Q&A session to wrap up the day.
Stay tuned for Day 2 updates as we continue exploring critical soil and laboratory management developments!
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PD 1435 Promotion and Documentation Committee
(Photos: Information Office)
