DA-BSWM Empowers CFBW Beneficiaries with Composting 101: Level II Training

In its continuous mission to advance soil health and environmental sustainability, the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) successfully conducted a Level II Composting Training for Composting Facility for Biodegradable Waste (CFBW) beneficiaries on April 21–23, 2026 in Davao City.

Diverse Participation Across the Region

The training gathered participants from a wide range of institutions and communities across the Davao Region, including:

Local Government Units of Tarragona, Digos City, and Caraga
Davao del Sur State College
Davao Oriental State University
Monkayo College of Arts, Science, and Technology
Green Gold Farmers Agriculture Cooperative

This diverse representation highlights the collective commitment of both academic institutions and local government units to sustainable agricultural practices.

The Level II Training aims to empower CFBW Beneficiaries by providing both the resources and knowledge necessary to produce high quality compost. DA-RFO XI Regional Soils Laboratory Staff were also present to capacitate beneficiaries on Soil Sample Collection Techniques, Analyze samples using the Soil Test Kit (STK), and generate Fertilizer Recommendation using the FertRight Mobile App of BSWM. These sessions ensured that beneficiaries not only learned composting methods but also understood the scientific basis of soil fertility management.

The event was successfully implemented under the strategic leadership of Director Gina Parde-Nilo, Ph.D., and Assistant Director Denise A. Solano, designated as the Compost Production Implementation Program Focal Person. The initiative was further strengthened through the active engagement of the Region XI Compost Production Implementation Team, composed of Engr. Michell May Urquiola, Mr. Christian Paul Regidor, Mr. Eddie Bentuzal Jr., and Mr. Neil Andrew Dumaog. Coordination was effectively established with the Soil and Water Access Team (SWAT) – Region XI, led by Team Leader Ms. Sharon Elvi Marie Cachopero, ensuring technical alignment and operational efficiency throughout the program execution.

By combining community participation, academic support, and government leadership, the program strengthens the foundation for healthier soils, resilient farming systems, and a greener future.

Further, to guide the farmers, agricultural extension workers, and other stakeholders in the computation of fertilizer recommendations, the DA-BSWM developed the Fertilizer Recommendation (FertRight) app. You may go to this link to download: https://www.bswm.da.gov.ph/download/bswm-fertilizer-recommendation/