The DA–Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) spearheaded the 3rd Philippine Soil Partnership (PSP) Plenary Assembly on December 15, 2025, at the DA-BSWM Convention Hall. The event gathered representatives from national government agencies, regional field offices, state universities and colleges, local government units, professional organizations, the private sector, and farmer groups.
DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., through Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro, stressed the importance of multi-sector collaboration to improve soil management and highlighted the assembly’s role in knowledge-sharing and planning for long-term soil restoration.
The plenary assembly highlighted the launching of the National Soil Health Volunteer Program (NSHVP) as an expanded National Soil Health Program (NSHP). Led by DA-BSWM Director, Dr. Gina Parde-Nilo, this program helps localize various sustainable soil management practices, including projects for balanced fertilization in rice and other crops, improving soil in coconut areas, land management strategies, surveys for solar-powered irrigation, composting facilities for waste, small composting setups, and mobile soil labs.
The DA-BSWM climate-smart greenhouse facility was also officially inaugurated. Managed by the Soil and Water Resources Research Division (SWRRD), the facility features five advanced production systems: hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics, the Dutch bucket system, and a mushroom-growing house. These systems are supported by automated climate controls, a weather station, misting and shading systems, cooling pads, and designated areas for both soil-based and soilless production. Additionally, this facility will facilitate the execution of controlled-environment research for development projects.
Well recognized by the DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., this facility was identified as the DA’s “White Revolution” initiative, aimed at modernizing vegetable and high-value crop production. The facility was featured on the national GMA Integrated News, underscoring the increasing public interest in climate-resilient, technology-driven agricultural solutions.
The Philippine Soil Partnership (PSP) forum highlighted the five action areas. Under Action Area 1 – Manage Sustainably and Restore Soils for Ecosystem Services, Engr. Eduardo V. Alberto and Dr. Karen S. Bautista discussed sustainable soil management, soil threats, and DA-BSWM R4D projects. Eduardo V. Alberto and Dr. Karen S. Bautista discussed sustainable soil management, soil threats, and DA-BSWM R4D projects, while Engr. Oscar O. Carpio, Mr. Joven P. Espineli, and Mr. Henry A. Apolinares shared the accomplishments of their respective research centers. For Action Area 2—Strengthen Soil Governance, Ms. Jovette T. Almeda emphasized policies, institutional arrangements, and the need for better coordination. Action Area 3 – Promote Knowledge and Literacy on Soils featured Director Gina Parde-Nilo, PhD and Assistant Director Denise A. Solano discussing public engagement and integration of soil literacy in education. Under Action Area 4—Awareness Raising and Advocacy on Soil Health, Ms. Georgina Carmelle Z. Siena presented initiatives on enhancing information, education, and communication activities. Lastly, for Action Area 5—Assessment, Monitoring, and Mapping of Soil Health, Ms. Maribel R. Jalalon, Dr. Dante E. Margate, and Mr. Andrew B. Flores talked about their work to make soil assessment methods consistent, improve how data is collected and reported, and share
PSP members also engaged in interactive workshops, focusing their outputs on empowering and strengthening networks.
Spearheaded by DA-BSWM, the Philippine Soil Partnership serves as a continuing platform for collaboration among government, academe, industry, and civil society.
