As part of its continuing efforts to improve the knowledge and skills of its partners and fulfill its mandate of promoting the sustainable management of soil and water resources for agriculture, the Agricultural Land Management and Evaluation Division (ALMED) of the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) conducted the Integrated Land Resources Evaluation Approach (ILREA) Training-Workshop in Baguio City from July 28 to 30, 2026.

The three-day activity brings together representatives from the Regional Land Use Technical Working Groups (RLUTWGs), the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), Provincial Agriculture Offices (PAOs), Provincial Planning and Development Offices (PPDOs), and other partner agencies from participating regions and provinces.

The activity aims to provide participants with a better understanding of how land resources are assessed and how the results of these assessments can support agricultural planning and land use decisions. It also emphasizes the importance of using reliable land information in identifying areas suitable for agriculture and in promoting the proper management and protection of agricultural lands.

As part of the training-workshop, the participants were provided with land suitability maps covering nine priority high-value crops. These maps will serve as useful references in identifying areas where the selected crops may be appropriately grown based on existing land and environmental conditions. The maps are also expected to support the preparation of agricultural plans, the identification of potential production areas, and the development of programs suited to the needs and conditions of the participating provinces.

The workshop also serves as a venue for strengthening coordination among national government agencies, regional offices, provincial local government units, and other partner institutions. By bringing together officials and technical personnel from different offices, the activity encourages a more coordinated and consistent approach to the use of land information in planning and decision-making.

Moving forward, the participants are encouraged to further review and validate the suitability maps using available local information and actual field conditions. The concerned offices are also expected to use the maps as references in preparing and updating their agricultural development plans, identifying priority areas for high-value crop production, and developing appropriate programs and interventions. Continued coordination among the DA-BSWM, DA Regional Field Offices, provincial local government units, and other partner agencies will also be pursued to address data gaps, improve the maps, and ensure their proper use in local and regional planning.

Through the conduct of the ILREA Training-Workshop, the DA-BSWM continues to carry out its mandate and uphold its commitment to quality service by providing its partners with useful information and tools for informed decision-making. The activity supports the responsible management, protection, and use of the country’s agricultural lands while helping ensure that agricultural programs are based on reliable information and the actual conditions of the areas concerned.

|| via 𝑁𝑒𝑖𝑙 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝐿. 𝐴𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑎, 𝐴𝐿𝑀𝐸𝐷

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