BSWM joins in the celebration of the National Chemistry Week: Catalyst Connections 2026 with the theme Honoring HTE Excellence in Chemistry Internships last 16 February 2026 at the Central Laboratory Auditorium, University of Santo Tomas.
The DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) takes pride in this celebration Honoring HTE Excellence as Host Training Establishment (HTE) in Chemistry Internships .
Dr. Gina Parde – Nilo, Director IV led the Acceptance of Recognition for BSWM and on behalf of other Host Partners and recipients. In her speech, she thanked the University for this recognition. It serves as an inspiration to the Host to collaborate and partner with the University in creating the best among the best of their Chemistry Graduates and Professionals. Dr. Nilo also took the opportunity to share the government’s recognition of the value of soil laboratories highlighting the President’s support through the Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. on the establishment of 17 Mobile Soil Laboratories (MSL) and Upgrading of all 17 Regional Soil Laboratories (RSL) as well as its expansion to establish more Provincial Soil Laboratories (PSL). This is a call for invitation to the Chemistry students and Professionals to join with the Government’s vision of Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas in the delivery of quality data for planners, decision makers and farmers in enhancing soil and land productivity that will uplift the standards of living of every Filipino farmer and ensure food security and resilience for every Filipino.
Dr. Nilo received the award and shared the stage with Ms. Florfina Sanchez, Chief of Chemistry Section of the BSWM Laboratory Services Division (LSD), and who is also a graduate of UST. Ms. Sanchez and her team supervise and provide training to the students; Ms. Nancy De Sagun, Head of BSWM Personnel Section, who organizes and coordinates with the University in the successful conduct of the On-the-Job Training (OJT); and Ms. Kristine Grace P. Nilo, Project Officer I and Executive Assistant, in charge of the event’s coordination and documentation.
The BSWM and all HTEs were warmly welcomed and generously hosted by the students and faculties of the UST. Present during the celebration were: Rev. Fr. Quirico T. Pedregosa, Jr., O. P. Acting Regent, College of Science; Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, Ph. D., Dean of College of Science; Assoc. Prof. Dharmatov Rahula B. Albano, RCh, PhD; and Associate Prof Alan Rodelle M. Salcedo, Ph.D. Chair, Department of Chemistry .
Ms. Faye Julianne Quinio Rafael gave feedback on her experience at BSWM as OJT:
“I have practiced my technical skills and developed a deeper appreciation of the importance of soil and water management in sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation.”
BSWM remains committed to its mandate to supervise, regulate and control the establishment and operation of all soil laboratories in the country through the Presidential Decree PD1435. It gained Global recognition as the National Reference Laboratory of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Global Soil Partnership (GSP), Asian Soil Partnership (ASP), and the Excellence in Proficiency Testing by the Food Fertilizer Technology Center (FFTC).
Dr. Gina Parde – Nilo, the Philippines Focal Point and Chairperson of the FAO ASP and Chairperson of the Asian Regional Soil Laboratory (SEALNET) initiated the establishment of the Center of Excellence of Soil Laboratories in Asia an ongoing effort to uplift and recognize global quality standards in the region.
Lupa‘t Tubig ay Pag-ingatan at Pangalagaan, Tungo sa Maunlad na Agrikultura at Kabuhayan.
To God be all the Glory! Go USTe! Go BSWM!
