In order to strengthen international linkages for the advancement of Soil Science and research-policy interface on soil health management in the Philippines, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) actively engaged in the 16th International Conference of the East and Southeast Asia Federation of Soil Science Societies (ESAFS 2024) with the theme “Healthy Soils for Sustainable Development.” The Conference was held from March 26 to 29 2024 at the Thai Nguyen University Convention Center, Thai Nguyen City, Vietnam.

DA-BSWM’s Dr. Karen S. Bautista, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Soil and Water Resources Research Division (SWRRD) served as Chair/Moderator of the Session on Soil Health, Soil Ecology, and Biodiversity. Moreover, as the concurrent President of the Philippine Society of Soil Science and Technology (PSSST, Inc.), she attended the Business Meeting and Country Report Presentation of the 15 Soil Science Society Presidents of East and Southeast Asian Countries.

Together with her is Ms. Jacqueline Rojales of the Soil Biological Resources Management Section of SWRRD who participated in the Poster Paper Presentation with the DA-BSWM-SWRRD led Research Study entitled “Evaluating the Potential of Rice-based Spent Mushroom Substrate Combined with Processed Chicken Manure and Liquid Organic Plant Supplements as Soil Conditioner.”

ESAFS 2024 was organized by Thai Nguyen University in collaboration with the Vietnamese Soil Science Society (VSSS). It provided an avenue to share invaluable experience and knowledge among soil scientists all over the world, to link collaboration and networking among soil science enthusiasts, and to harmonize contributions to sustainable development.

ESAFS Conference is held bi-annually to share innovative technologies and approaches on sustainable soil management among Soil Scientists and Researchers. The next ESAFS Conference will be held in Nepal (2027) and Japan (2029).  The DA-BSWM as the nationally mandated agency for sustainable soil management strives to reinvigorate agricultural production while ensuring environmental protection for the succeeding generations.

(Justine Alcantara, SWRRD)

Photos by: Dr. Quynh Nguyen, faculty member of Thai Nguyen University. #BagongPilipinas #ParaSaMasaganangBagongPilipinas #DABSWM #BSWM #SWRRD