ABFS MOA
Signing in Region VII
Talibon,
Bohol, July 5, 2023
The event
was attended by the following online participants:
Mr. Joven P.
Espineli (BSWM, Regional Focal, Region VII), Dr. Fernando S. Doroy (DA-RFO VII
representative); as well as the following on-site participants: Hon. Hilario A.
Austria (Brgy. Captain of San Roque, Talibon, Bohol), Mr. Angelito A. Oroyan,
Lic. Agri (Municipal Agriculturist of Talibon), Mr. Benedicto G. Sarong
(President of SARISA Irrigators Association Inc.), Mr. Edwin A. Crescensio
(Vice-President of SARISA Irrigators Association Inc.), Engr. Relchen R.
Torrejas – (Agricultural Technician of MAO, Talibon, Bohol), Engr. Wilfredo A.
Gultiano (Alternate Regional Focal, Region VII), Ms. Melody M. Orogo (ABFS
Implementation Team), Ms. Chari Ann A. Maestre (ABFS Implementation Team)
The MOA
signing was necessary to have a formal understanding and agreement from both
parties on the implementation of the 100 hectare ABFS techno-demo for rice area
at Brgy. San Roque, Talibon, Bohol.
(Chari Ann
A. Maestre)
๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐–๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐
The Department of Agriculture-Bureau
of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) is implementing the Adaptive Balanced
Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) Project nationwide. Balanced Fertilization
Strategy is a science-based farming method which focuses on the use of
cost-efficient and proper combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers to
sustain increase in rice productivity. It addresses concerns on soil fertility
and plant nutrition to reduce production cost, increase yields and maintain
healthy soils.
The Campo 5 SWISA in Ramon Magsaysay,
Zamboanga Del Sur is one of the sites selected for the conduct of the ABFS
technological demonstration. A two-day (June 14 and 15) Technical Briefing was
conducted in Plando Farm (Diversified Farm), Campo 5, Ramon, Magsaysay,
Zamboanga Del Sur, adjacent to the areas covered by the Technodemo.
During the first day, officials and
key personnel from the DAโRegional Field Office IX, the Local Government Unit
(LGU) of Ramon Magsaysay and officers of the SWISA were in attendance. And on
the second day, other members and cooperating farmers of Campo 5 SWISA also
joined the Briefing.
Mr. Ronel Colcol, Regional Rice
Coordinator, and other personnel from the DAโRFO Zamboanga Peninsula,
representative from the LGU Ramon Magsaysay headed by Mr. Jude Dexter Bobby A.
Machon (from the Office of the Mayor) and the Municipal Agriculture Officer
Clarrisa Villanueva Torralba and Staff attended the Day 1 of the briefing. Ms.
Maria Mercedita Pascual, DA RFO IX Regional Soils Laboratory Chief, and her
staff joined Day 2 to discuss topics regarding collection and analysis of soil
samples. Officers and members of the Campo 5 SWISA headed by their President,
Ms. Carmen Plando, actively participated in the activity, raising their
concerns especially on the application of organic fertilizers and
biofertilizers.
The Technical Briefing was facilitated
by Personnel from the DA-BSWM headed by Mr. Bertolio P. Arellano, Soil and
Water Access Team (SWAT) Region IX Focal and Chief of the Geomatics and Soil
Information Technology Division. With him are Mr. Michael Alexis T. Nota
(GSITD), Ace Wilfred Abarro (SCMD) and Teddy A. Zarriz (WRMD). The Team from
DA-BSWM also presented an overview of the ABFS Project and Recommendations and
Protocols and the roles of partner agencies and associations. Discussion on the
Implementation plan, agro-economic survey and data gathering and monitoring
were also discussed with small workshops to check if the farmers understood the
Protocols for the application of various fertilizers.
The Briefing ended with the commitment
of the Campo 5 SWISA in implementing the Protocols of the ABFS. In return, the
DA-BSWM team declared their commitment in extending their best effort for the
successful implementation of the Project to attain its goals of restoring soil
health, increasing agricultural productivity while minimizing impact to the
environment.
(Michael Alexis T. Nota, GSITD)
๐๐–๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ๐จ๐ญ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐
๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐๐ฅ, ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ฅ
The
Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM)
conducted a Technical Briefing and Capacity Building on Adaptive Balanced
Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) last June 14-15, 2023, in Plaridel, Misamis
Occidental.
With the
primary goal of promoting sustainable agriculture, the event aimed to empower
the Technical Staff and Farmers of the Municipality with the protocol,
recommendations, and activities about the ABFS, as well as, its potential
benefits for rice production and soil health.
The
implementation of the Project is a collaborative effort with the Provincial
Government of Misamis Occidental, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Plaridel,
and DA- Regional Field Office X (DA-RFO X). Leading the Project in the Region
is Engr. Eduardo V. Alberto, Soil and Water Access Team (SWAT) Region X Focal
and Chief of the Soil Conservation and Management Division (SCMD), assisted by
its Multi-disciplinary Team – Mr. Jonathan Daquil, Alternate Focal and Soil and
Water Area Coordinator (SWAC-Region X), Mr. Vince Albert Ching from the
Laboratory Services Division (LSD), Mr. Uriel Ignacio from the Agricultural
Land Management and Evaluation Division (ALMED), Mr. Mark Anthony Paga from the
National Soil and Water Resources Research and Development Center for Highland
Pedo-Ecological Zone (NSWRRDC-HighPez), Engr. Maricar Mingoy, Engr. Aliza
Nicole Andes, and Mr. Ryan Benavidez from SCMD.
The two-day
activity was attended by Hon. Gadwin E. Handumon, Municipal Mayor of Plaridel,
who underscored the importance of the Project in achieving the Development
Trust 5Ms (Misamisnon, Mamuhay ng Mapayapa, May pag asenso, Maligaya) of the
Provincial Governor, Atty. Henry S. Oaminal. He also expressed his gratitude to
the DA-BSWM for sharing their technical expertise and assistance with the
Farmers of Plaridel.
Other
attendees of the activity were Ms. Virginia Namocatcat (Municipal
Agriculturist) and Ms. Melissa Sinconiegue from the Municipal Agriculture
Office; Mr. Karl Wong (Regional Soils Laboratory), Engr. Kent Daryl Ong, and
Engr. Amiel Rhyan Pakino (Regional Agricultural Engineering Division) from the
DA- RFO X; Mr. Adrian Estur and Ms. Mary Dawn Madrio from the Office of the
Provincial Agriculture; agricultural technicians, and technical staff from the
partner Offices; and Cabisilla leaders and farmers of the Nazareno-Gamutan
Agricultural Irrigations Association (NGADIA).
The
Technical Briefing and Capacity Building marked a significant step toward
promoting sustainable farming practices in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental by
emphasizing the importance of balanced utilization of organic and inorganic
fertilizers in rice production.
With the
ABFS as a guiding principle, Plaridel is poised to become a Model for
sustainable agriculture, setting an inspiring example for the entire Region and
the other Regions.
( Aliza
Nicole Andes and Ryan Benavidez, SCMD)
๐๐๐
๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ฅ๐, ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ง ๐ง๐จ๐ฐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ ๐๐๐ซ
June 1, 2023 – Distribution of
agricultural inputs to the farmer-cooperators of the Western Alcala Farmers
Irrigators Cooperative and Cabuluan Farmers MPC, in Alcala, Cagayan for the
implementation of Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) for Region
II.
A series of preparatory activities
were conducted for the implementation of the Technology Demonstration sites
such as: delivery and inspection of farm inputs, agro-socio economic survey and
collection of soil samples with the assistance of the counterparts from the
DA-Regional Soils Laboratory and Officers and Farmer-members of the SWISA
Cooperatives.
About three weeks earlier, a Technical
Briefing with our partners from RFO-II PLGU-Cagayan and MLGU-Alcala and a
Capacity Enhancement activity with Farmer-Cooperators were conducted last May
09 and 10, 2023, respectively. Said activities were attended by a total of 160
participants from DA-RFO II; representatives from LGU Alcala, SWISA Officers
and Cooperators.
The Implementing Team for Region II
ABFS is composed of the Soil and Water Access Team (SWAT) led by Dr. Dante E.
Margate as Regional Focal; Engr. Josephroel C. Guillermo, Alternate Focal and
the Soil Health Monitoring Team: Ms. Shirley S. Buduan, Ms. Bella H. Noceda,
Engr. Ragine A. Galzote, Ms. Kristel M. Bagaua, Ms. Katherine H. Cervania and
the Project Hired COS Ms. Mylene Biraquit.
(Written and photo by: Kristel Bagaua)
๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐๐ฉ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐๐ ๐
๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ณ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐ฒ (๐๐๐
๐) ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง 8
The BSWM
together with DA-RFO 8 and LGU under the National Soil Health Program (NSHP)
conducted the technical briefing and capacity building for the implementation
of the technology demonstration โDA Best Rice Farms and Farmers, a Hybrid Rice
Cluster Farm cum Balanced Fertilization Strategy Technology Derbyโ at Brgy.
Villa Consuelo, Naval Biliran, Region VIII last May 18-19, 2023.
The
activities were actively participated by farmers from various farmer
organizations, DA-RFO 8 and LGU officials, PhilRice, various Seed Producers,
Biofertilizer and Organic fertilizers manufacturers. They will also participate
in the BFS technology demonstration. This is a good model of DA Program 3Cs
โConverge, Cooperate and Coordinateโ.
A message of
support was delivered by Hon. Gerard Roger M. Espina, Governor of Biliran
Province and Romeo G. Delmo, OIC-Chief, Field Operation Division. They
emphasized the importance of being a good steward of agricultural resources in
order to achieve food sufficiency.
During the
Capacity Building, Ms. Maribel J. Jalalon, Chief of LSD and Regional Focal
together with her team Vince Albert Ching, Wilfredo O. De Mesa, Jr. and John
Loyd Pagaduan discussed the Balanced Fertilization Strategy protocol and recommendations
and its implementation plan. Agro-socio economic survey was also conducted and
distribution of agricultural inputs.
Mr. Leandro
Aluab, DA-RFO 8 Rice Program Reporting Officer delivered the rationale and
facilitated the identification of cooperators for ABFS for BSWM, PhilRice, Seed
Producers, Organic and Biofertilizers companies.
Overall, the
event was successful and the farmer cooperators for the technology
demonstration thanked the BSWM for the program that will surely increase their
income and addressed the issue on declining soil fertility.
(Written by:
Wilfredo O. De Mesa, Jr. and photo from Laboratory Services Division)
ยฉ
Information
๐๐–๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ค๐๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ญ๐๐ฉ ๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐
๐
The
Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) took a
proactive step in advancing the implementation of the Adaptive Balanced
Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) as it organized a comprehensive two-day Technical
Inception Briefing and Capacity Building last May 17-18, 2023 at Barangay
Tanyag, Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro. The activity focused on the
Implementation of the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) under the
National Soil Health Program (NSHP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Spearheaded
by the Soil and Water Access Team (SWAT) Region IV-B Focal and Soil Survey
Division (SSD) Chief, Dr. Dante E. Margate, the composition of the
multi-disciplinary team included – Mr. Glenn Raymund M. Serrano, Alternate
Focal and Soil and Water Area Coordinator (SWAC-Region IVB), Mr. Valerio E.
Ablaza Jr. (ALMED), Engr. Hazel Jane M. Faa (LSD) and a workforce from SSD
namely Mr. Marcelo P. Dayo, Mr. Norman A. Apura, Ms. Katherine H. Cervania,
Engr. John Dave E. Pacariem, and Mr. Mark Angel M. Fabros.
The first
day of the event was graced by Hon. Dante C. Esteban, Municipal Mayor of
Calintaan, Mindoro Occidental who expressed his appreciation to the DA-BSWM in
providing support and technical assistance to the farmers of Calintaan. Other
attendees were from the DA-Regional Soils Laboratory scilicet Mr. Michael
Raymund De Jesus, counterpart Staff from the Provincial Local Government of
Occidental Mindoro; Ms. Raquel Arcilla, a local partner from MLGU; Ms. Nelia B.
Oriero, Municipal Agriculturist; Mr. Ronie Passion, Agricultural Technician and
the Board of Directors and Officers of the Parian Farmers SWISA, Inc.
Dr. Dante E.
Margate discussed the following topics: Key Principles of the ABFS, its Legal
Basis, Roles and Responsibilities of the DA-BSWM, DA-Regional Field Office
(DA-RFO), Local Government Unit (LGU), and Farmer-beneficiaries. In his
presentation, Dr. Margate highlighted the importance and benefits of adopting
the technology, emphasizing on the importance of soil and water in food
production, and proper management of soils, in increasing the rice productivity
in Occidental Mindoro and the Philippines as a whole. Other topics presented
include the โ Details of the ABFS Protocol and Recommendations as discussed by
Engr. Hazel Jane M. Faa; the ABFS Implementation Workplan by Mr. Marcelo P
Dayo, and Agro-Socio-Economic (ASE) Survey presented by Mr. Valerio E. Ablaza.
The
distribution of certified seeds and fertilizer inputs to farmer-beneficiaries
was the highlight on the second day of the event which reflects the
government’s commitment to supporting and uplifting the agricultural sector. By
providing essential resources, farmers are given the opportunity to enhance
their agricultural practices, increase productivity, and improve their
livelihood.
This
nationwide implementation and promotion of the ABFS by the DA-BSWM aims to
revolutionize farming practices. This science-based method emphasizes the use
of a cost-efficient and optimal blend of organic and inorganic fertilizers to enhance
rice productivity, reduce production costs, and safeguard soil health. Indeed,
the collaborative effort between the DA-BSWM and its local partners brings
vital agricultural resources and technical assistance to farmers, fostering
sustainable growth and ensuring food security.
(Norman
Apura, SSD)
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐๐
๐ ๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ ๐
๐๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐
๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐จ๐ง, ๐๐จ๐ก๐จ๐ฅ
On May 17-18, 2023 a Technical
Briefing and Capability Building of Farmers on Adaptive Balanced Fertilization
Strategy (ABFS) was conducted in San Roque, Talibon, Bohol, spearheaded by Mr.
Joven P. Espineli, Regional Focal of Region VII, together with Engr. Wilfredo
A. Gultiano, Alternate Focal, and the Implementation Team: Mr. Leolito D.
Siase, Melody M. Orogo, Ann Fatima A. Benjamin, and Chari Ann A. Maestre.
ABFS is a science-based farming method
that focuses on the use of cost-efficient and proper combinations of organic
and inorganic fertilizers to sustain the increases in rice productivity.
On Day One (May 17, 2023), the
Technical Briefing was attended by representatives from the following offices:
DA RFO VII; Agricultural Promotion Center (APC); Agricultural Promotion
Coordinating Office (APCO); Office of the Provincial Agriculturist; Office of
the Municipal Agriculturist; San Roque Irrigators Service Association (SARISA);
and LGUs from San Miguel, Pilar, Talibon, Guinhulman, Candijay, Ubay, Trinidad,
and Dagohoy. Each of the Offices commits to cooperate and provide technical
assistance for the implementation and success of the ABFS Techno-Demo.
On Day Two (May 18, 2023), the
Capability Building was attended by around 120 SARISA farmers and
representatives from the following Offices: DA RFO VII, Office of the Municipal
Agriculturist Talibon, and LGU Talibon. Honorable Mayor Janette A. Garcia of
the Talibon Municipality paid a quick visit in the event area where a small
introduction was made regarding the ABFS Program and its benefits. Mayor Garcia
manifested her support for the success of the Program. She expressed her
gratitude for the local farmers of Talibon for being selected as beneficiaries
of the Techno Demo.
During the two-day event, the overview
on ABFS, Stratified Soil Sampling Protocol, the Agro-Socio Economic Survey, and
Monitoring and Data Collection was presented. One of the highlights is the status
of the soil fertility level in Central Visayas which is moderately low. In 2022
the Region produced only 2.72 tons/ha of rice which is below the national
average yield of 4.11 tons/ha. The ABFS will greatly contribute not only to
increase rice production but also improve soil condition and boost agricultural
productivity.
The event officially ended with an
inspiring message from Mr. Edwin Crensencio, Vice President of SARISA. He also
conveyed the beneficiaries’ appreciation to the ABFS and the DA-BSWM.
Lastly, on Day Three (May 19, 2023),
the inspection of the delivery of farm inputs (organic and inorganic
fertilizers and seeds) was conducted together with Ms. Karen Sagana, BSWM
Inspector; Mr. Espineli, End-user representative; Mr. Cresencio, Vice President
of SARISA (beneficiary representative) and the BSWM technical staff.
Meanwhile, Director Angel C. Enriquez,
Regional Executive Director of DA-VII, and her Team joined the BSWM together
with the LGU Technical Staff in the conduct of soil sampling for laboratory
analysis as one of the requirements for data collection.
(Chari Ann Maestre, DA-BSWM)
๐๐–๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐๐
๐ ๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐๐ณ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐๐
The Department of Agriculture-Bureau
of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) Adaptive Balanced Fertilization
Strategy (ABFS) Region IV-A Implementation Team headed by Mr. Joven P.
Espineli, conducted a Technical Briefing and Capability Building of Farmers on
ABFS last May 10 and 11, 2023. The event was conducted at the Quezon
Agricultural Research and Experiment Station (QARES), Tiaong, Quezon, and in
Brgy. Sta. Catalina Norte and Sur, Candelaria and Brgy. Behia, Tiaong, Quezon,
respectively.
Day one of the Technical Briefing was
attended by representatives from the following offices: DA RFO IV-A,
Agricultural Promotion Coordinating Office (APCO), Office of the Provincial
Agriculturist, Lipa Agricultural Research and Experiment Station (LARES), and
Office of the Municipal Agriculturist from Candelaria and Tiaong, Quezon. Each
of the offices committed to cooperate and provide technical assistance in the
implementation and success of the ABFS techno-demo. The overview of the ABFS,
Stratified Soil Sampling Protocol, the Agro-Socio Economic Survey, and
Monitoring and Data Collection was presented and discussed to provide a better
understanding of the project.
Meanwhile, together with the
above-mentioned offices the DA-BSWM conducted the Capability Building on the
second day attended by farmers from the municipalities of Candelaria and
Tiaong. The same topics were presented and discussed to the farmer
participants.
The two-day event was conducted to
formally introduce the project and discuss the duties and responsibilities of
those involved. An open forum with the farmers and other relevant matters were
discussed for the smooth implementation of the project.
(Written by: Marco T. Macopia, Photo
By: Region IV-A Implementation Team)
๐๐๐
๐ ๐ข๐ง
๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ฅ๐,
๐๐๐ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ง
๐ง๐จ๐ฐ
๐ข๐ง
๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ
๐ ๐๐๐ซ
June 1, 2023 – Distribution of agricultural inputs to the
farmer-cooperators of the Western Alcala Farmers Irrigators Cooperative and
Cabuluan Farmers MPC, in Alcala, Cagayan for the implementation of Adaptive
Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) for Region II.
A series of preparatory activities were conducted for the
implementation of the Technology Demonstration sites such as: delivery and
inspection of farm inputs, agro-socio economic survey and collection of soil samples
with the assistance of the counterparts from the DA-Regional Soils Laboratory
and Officers and Farmer-members of the SWISA Cooperatives.
About three weeks earlier, a Technical Briefing with our
partners from RFO-II PLGU-Cagayan and MLGU-Alcala and a Capacity Enhancement
activity with Farmer-Cooperators were conducted last May 09 and 10, 2023,
respectively. Said activities were attended by a total of 160 participants from
DA-RFO II; representatives from LGU Alcala, SWISA Officers and Cooperators.
The Implementing Team for Region II ABFS is composed of the
Soil and Water Access Team (SWAT) led by Dr. Dante E. Margate as Regional
Focal; Engr. Josephroel C. Guillermo, Alternate Focal and the Soil Health
Monitoring Team: Ms. Shirley S. Buduan, Ms. Bella H. Noceda, Engr. Ragine A.
Galzote, Ms. Kristel M. Bagaua, Ms. Katherine H. Cervania and the Project Hired
COS Ms. Mylene Biraquit.
(Written and photo by: Kristel Bagaua)
DA-BSWM holds Training on Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) in Region 06
As part of the initiatives under the
Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS), a two-day technical briefing
cum Capacity Building was conducted by the DA-BSWM through the Soil and Water
Resources Research Division (SWRRD) at Iloilo Sports Complex Covered Court, and
at Brgy. Dawis, Pototan in Iloilo City on May 10-11, 2023 respectively. The
activity was spearheaded by the Soil and Water Access Team (SWAT) Region 6
Focal and SWRRD Chief, Dr. Karen S. Bautista. The composition of its
multi-disciplinary team included โ Engr. Corazon Ditarro, Assistant Regional
Focal (WRMD), Ms. Angelita Marcia, Jacqueline Rojales (SWRRD), Filipina
Ventigan (SCMD), Engr. Renz Kriztian Briol, Mr. Jerry Paul Arciaga (SWRRD), and
Mr. Benedict Dela Cruz (PMU).
The two-day event which was
participated by the farmers and stakeholders in the area were provided with
Training on ABFS. The training was divided into two parts – Technical Briefing,
and Capacity Building. This was undertaken to orient the community and do the
necessary preparations in the adoption of the technology. Dr. Karen S. Bautista
discussed the following topics 1) Key Principles of the ABFS, 2) its Legal
Bases, 3) Protocol, and Recommendations. It also highlighted the 4) Roles and
Responsibilities of the DA-BSWM, DA-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO), Local
Government Unit (LGU), and the farmers in the implementation of technology. In
her presentation, Dr. Bautista further emphasized the importance of soil and
water in food production, and proper management of soils, in increasing the
rice productivity in Western Visayas.
Other topics presented included the โ
Details of the ABFS Protocol as discussed by Ms. Angelita C. Marcia; the
Workplan, and Agro-Socio-Economic (ASE) Survey were presented by Engr. Renz
Kriztian P. Briol. The Team also conducted gathering/ survey of farmerโs
information as input to ASE. This was facilitated by the other team members
headed by Ms. Jacqueline S. Rojales and Ms. Filipina Ventigan.
The first day of the event was graced
by Mr. Dominador A. Marquez (RTD for Operations, DA-RFO 06), attended by other
DA-RFO key staff, Representatives from PLGU โ Iloilo, and 10 representatives
from different LGUs. The second day was participated by 80 farmers from Bangga
Dawis Pototan Iloilo Farmers Credit Cooperative (farmer beneficiaries of ABFS),
DA-RFO VI, PLGU โ Iloilo and LGU โ Pototan headed by Mr. Gilbert Quiambao –
Municipal Agriculturist, Mr. Alex B. Arsomende, Barangay Captain and its staff.
RTD Marquez expressed his gratitude to
DA-BSWM in providing support and technical assistance. He mentioned that ABFS
will be of great contribution in the region because of their low regional
average yield per hectare (3.41 mt/ha) in rice production compared to the
national average yield per hectare (4.11 mt/ha) as of CY 2022. Mr. Quimbao also
thanked the DA-BSWM for choosing their municipality as the techno demo site,
and manifests his support and interest to the ABFS. He added that ABFS is an
effective approach and strategy to address the declining soil fertility level
in the municipality.
The DA-BSWM is implementing and
promoting the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) nationwide. The
ABFS is a science-based farming method which focused on the use of
cost-efficient and proper combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers to
enhance rice productivity and reduce the cost of production while ensuring soil
health.
(Written by: Renz Kriztian Briol,
SWRRD)
Information
๐ซ๐จ–๐ฉ๐บ๐พ๐ด ๐๐๐๐
๐ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ญ๐บ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐, ๐ฒ๐๐๐๐๐๐
A two-day
Technical Briefing on the Implementation of the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization
Strategy (BFS) was conducted by the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management
(DA-BSWM) through the Agricultural Land Management Evaluation Division (ALMED)
at Brgy. Bulinao and Brgy. Bulo, Tabuk City, Kalinga on May 9-10, 2023.
Around 76
farmers from different Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) attended the
Technical Briefing which aims to provide farmers with the necessary knowledge
and skills to implement the BFS effectively. It also aims to encourage the
proper use of both organic and inorganic materials for rice crops.
During the
1st Day of the Technical Briefing, the Soil and Water Access Team for the
Cordillera Administrative Region (SWAT-CAR) Focal and ALMED Chief Bernardo B.
Pascua discussed the key principles of the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization
Strategy, its legal basis and the roles of the Da-BSWM, DA-Regional Field
Office (DA-RFO), Local Government Unit (LGU), and Farmer-Beneficiaries.
โWe are
committed to promoting sustainable and innovative farming practices in the
agriculture sector and we recognize the importance of collaboration among
stakeholders in the successful implementation of the BFS. Therefore, we will
work closely with farmers, the LGUs and the DARFOs to ensure the effective
implementation of this strategy,โ Chief Pascua said during his presentation.
On the 2nd
Day, DA-BSWM-ALMED Senior Agriculturist Edgar D. Natividad and Nelita R. De
Guzman and DA-BSWM-Laboratory Division (LSD) Senior Agriculturist Agnes Cruz
explained the methods of soil testing and nutrient analysis; the selection and
application of organic and inorganic fertilizers and the monitoring and
evaluation of fertilizer management practices.
Furthermore,
SWAT-CAR Alternate Focal Visitacion V. Castillo expressed her appreciation to
all the stakeholders who participated in the recent Technical Briefing on the
implementation of the BFS. She added, โThe success of the implementation of
this strategy relies heavily on the involvement of every stakeholders. We need
the support and cooperation of every participants in this Training to promote
the adoption of this strategy in our communities. Together, we can contribute
to the sustainability and growth of the agriculture sector.โ
The Adaptive
Balanced Fertilization Strategy is a sustainable and cost-effective approach to
fertilization that considers soil health, plant requirements, and nutrient
management. The strategy also aims to improve soil fertility and crop
productivity; minimize dependence on the full use of chemical fertilizer;
reduce environmental risks and promote economic benefits for farmers.
(Julus Enoch
Fechalin – Information)
