Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU)-College of Agriculture Bacnotan Campus has chosen the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) as their preferred partner Learning Institution for their Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) major in Soil Science students.
With the persistent dedication of the BSWM Soils Survey Division (SSD) to nurture future soil science experts and contribute to the Soil Science community, they are opening their doors to various students who would like to be mentored and trained. As such, two students from the DMMMSU Bacnotan Campus, namely, Mr. Jay-ar D. Tomas and Mr. Charlie O. Biscarra, have recently completed their 240-hour On-The-Job-Training (OJT).
These students participated in a series of theoretical and practical activities on conventional and digital soil mapping, focusing on slope, landform and crop suitability. These sessions were conducted by Ms. Bella H. Noceda, Senior Agriculturist, and Engr. Ragine A. Galzote, Agriculturist II, from the Pedomorphology Genesis and Soil Classification Section (PGSCS), along with Mr. Sadam K. Silongan, Agriculturist II, from the Soil Productivity Evaluation Section (SPES).
Additionally, they engaged in various activities led by Mr. Sandy B. Abiad, Senior Agriculturist from the Pedosphere Dynamics and Analysis Section (PDAS). These activities included the Technical Inception Briefing for the National Soil Health Program (NSHP) on Updating of Thematic Maps for Soil Health Monitoring Sites and Soil Reference Mapping Units in Region IV A, held on March 26, 2024, at the Organic Agriculture Research Development Center (ORDC), Lipa City, Batangas. Furthermore, they participated in the Capacity Building on Soil Survey and Classification: A Training Workshop for CBSUA Soil Science Advocates on April 03-05, 2024, at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) Agriville and Learning Hub in San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur. They were also afforded the opportunity to participate in the 73rd BSWM Sportsfest and experienced the sportsmanship and camaraderie among the BSWM staff.
At the culmination of their internship, the BSWM Personnel Section represented by Ms. Lorraine Balintec and Mr. Elvis U. Antonio, Jr. organized a Post Internship Feedback Session on April 19, 2024 held at the SSD Conference Area. Joining the apprentices were their adviser, Mr. Christian Jay P. Watson; OJT Coordinator, Ms. Donna E. Cariaso; faculty member and former BSWM apprentice, Mr. Jade A. De Los Santos; along with the Soil Science Society President, Mr. Niño A. Huliganga.
Dr. Gina P. Nilo, BSWM Director, eagerly looks forward to fostering a new wave of soil science students, guiding them towards not only mastering technical skills but also embracing the core values of Patriotism, Integrity, Excellence and Spirituality (PIES) that define the essence of the BSWM.
Under the adept guidance of SSD Chief Dr. Dante E. Margate and Supervising Agriculturist Mr. Marcelo P. Dayo, the Division extends a warm invitation to undergraduates of Soil Science aspiring to have an apprenticeship and eager to learn skills to soil survey approaches which is an opportunity offered by the BSWM.
(Rosemarie Umagat-Silongan, SSD)
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