The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM), through its Laboratory Services Division (LSD), successfully facilitated the 5th General Assembly (GA) of the Philippines National Soil Laboratory Network (PhilNASOLAN) on November 6-8, 2024, in San Fernando, Pampanga. The event brought together 48 member laboratories and key stakeholders committed to advancing soil health and food security across the Philippines.
DA-BSWM Director and PhilNASOLAN Chair Gina Parde-Nilo, PhD, inaugurated the assembly with an inspiring message, emphasizing each member’s vital contributions to establishing high standards in soil analysis, both locally and internationally. “Every member’s dedication is essential to upholding our soil standards and supporting national and international initiatives for soil health,” she said.
The assemblyโs first day featured critical presentations, including an update on the Implementation Program for the Mobile Soil Laboratory, the launch of the License to Operate – Soil Laboratory (LTO-SL) Website, and a review of the 2024 Accomplishment Report of PD 1435, alongside a 2025 work plan for PhilNASOLAN.
Day two included a special awards ceremony where certificates and tokens were presented to licensed soil laboratories, along with recognition of new network members. Highlighting DA-BSWMโs commitment to advancing digital capabilities, ICT equipment was formally turned over to regional soil laboratories and selected state universities and colleges. Breakout sessions followed, allowing laboratories to strategize and discuss best practices by category.
The final day saw an extensive discussion among regional and national laboratories, provincial labs, academic institutions, and private laboratories. The focus was on assessing current needs, exploring future opportunities, and determining necessary actions, including potential amendments to DA MC No. 33. This policy provides guidelines for implementing Presidential Decree No. 1435, which regulates the issuance of licenses for soil laboratories in the Philippines.
The three-day event was graced by DA Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols A. Manalo, who delivered a keynote message on behalf of DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. DA-BSWM LSD Chief Maribel R. Jalalon closed the assembly, highlighting the importance of continuous support and collaboration across the network. “Through our collective efforts, we can achieve better soil health and, ultimately, food security for the country,” she affirmed.
Under Presidential Decree No. 1435, DA-BSWM is tasked with overseeing, regulating, and controlling the operations of all soil laboratories nationwide to maintain standards that safeguard soil healthโa critical resource for sustainable agriculture and national prosperity.
For more information and other accomplishments of the LTO-SL Website. you may visit the link through https://www.bswm.da.gov.ph/pd1435/
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(JEFechalin, Information Unit)
