On 27 March 2025, DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) Director Dr. Gina Parde-Nilo graced the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) Farmers’ Field Day in Brgy. Campo V, Ramon Magsaysay, Zamboanga del Sur. Representatives from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office IX (DA-RFO IX), the Ramon Magsaysay Municipal Agriculture Office, and the farmer beneficiaries were also present at the event. A total of 64 farmers from Campo V SWISA benefited from the ABFS technology demonstration, which covered 100 hectares of farmland.

In attendance were Ms. Alelyn Anero (DA – RFO IX Rice Program Technical Personnel), Ms. Clarissa Toralba, Ramon Magsaysay Municipal Agricultural Officer, and Mr. Bertolio P. Arellano, BSWM Soil and Water Access Team (SWAT) for Region XI. In their Messages, the importance of collaboration among agencies and the adaptive capacity of farmers to sustain technological advancements in farm management was emphasized. It was also highlighted how these efforts improve productivity while maintaining soil health.

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During the Field Day, Ms. Carmen Plando, President of the Campo V Small Water Irrigation System Association (SWISA), took the opportunity to personally thank Director Nilo for advocating the National Soil Health Program (NSHP) and ABFS. Through this program, farmers were able to pay off previous debts from farm inputs while significantly increasing their yield. She also expressed her heartfelt gratitude not only for the ABFS but also for the Composting Facility for Biodegradable Waste (CFBW), which serves as a source of organic fertilizer for sustaining and adapting balanced fertilization practices. Furthermore, Ms. Plando thanked BSWM for the continuous operational monitoring and improvement of the Campo V Diversion Dam and service canals, which is currently undergoing an additional 1-kilometer canal concreting project.

Additionally, the Campo V SWISA, represented by Ms. Plando, pledged their commitment to fully utilize all projects and technologies handed to them. She assured that their association will remain steadfast in partnering with BSWM in advancing its projects and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

The farmers also shared their experiences and how they benefited from ABFS. The following farmers gave testimonials:

  • Jose Pondoyo
  • Roberto Pondoyo
  • Cristina Pondoyo

In response, Director Nilo thanked the farmers of Campo V SWISA for partnering with BSWM through the NSHP, ABFS, and CFBW. She emphasized that the association was selected to implement these projects because they demonstrated the capability to adapt to technological advancements in agriculture and effectively collaborate with BSWM to showcase and spread these initiatives to other farmers.

Director Nilo reiterated that the needs of farmers serve as inspiration for these types of projects. As part of the NSHP and BSWM’s vision to reach more farmers, she announced that BSWM will provide a Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL) to Region IX in 2025. This initiative will help farmers from remote areas bring their soil samples for analysis, enabling them to receive more accurate and precise fertilizer recommendations.

The Field Day was a success with the facilitation of technical staff from the BSWM – Mr. Michael Alexis T. Nota, Mr. Roger Principe, Mr. Farley Conde, Ms. Emelyn Sumusog, Mr. Lourenz Biñas, Ms. Kristine Castillon, Ms. Ana Talavera, Mr. Alwin Rafael, Mr. Paul Bryan Pabillaran, Mr. Daryll Dulay, Mr. Ronebert Maangangot, Mr. Bryan Manait, Arvie Loberiano.

(Michael Alexis T. Nota, GSITD)

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