The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), through the leadership of Geomatics and Soil Information Technology Division (GSITD), celebrated  the observance of World Soil Day (WSD)  2025. Anchored on the theme “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,” this year’s celebration addresses a pressing reality: as Philippine cities expand and populations concentrate in urban centers, the health of urban soil becomes increasingly critical to climate resilience, food security, environmental quality, and public well-being.

Through a series of educational initiatives and awareness campaigns led by GSITD, BSWM has positioned itself not merely as a technical agency but as a catalyst for transforming how Filipinos, particularly the youth, understand and value the ground beneath their feet.

The celebration formally opened on December 1 with the unveiling of the WSD 2025 monogram, a symbolic declaration of BSWM’s ongoing efforts to advance soil health and its integration into national and local development priorities.

This was followed on December 2 by Training and Advocacy Innovations activities, a comprehensive package of educational interventions designed to strengthen soil literacy among students, educators, and community stakeholders. Guided by the overarching objective of equipping students and communities with the knowledge, skills, and tools to nurture soil through innovative training and digital advocacy, BSWM introduced its S–O–I–L framework. This initiative features targeted social media engagement through the “Soil and the City: #SoilCityIn60” video-making contest; online walkthroughs and digital resources, including the Soil Museum Virtual Tour, Soil Laboratory Virtual Walkthrough, digital maps, and BSWM’s service portfolios; interactive learning tools through mobile applications; and an integrated digital link that consolidates these materials for wider accessibility and collaboration.

On December 5, the BSWM held the Culminating Activity and Awarding Ceremony, recognizing outstanding entries from three youth-focused competitions: Batang Soil Detectives, Soil and the City: #SoilCityIn60, and the Urban Gardening in Terrarium Ecosystem Competition. These competitions served not only to encourage creativity and scientific inquiry among young participants but also to cultivate environmental awareness and appreciation for the role of soil in sustaining urban systems. This culminating event was further elevated by the presence of distinguished keynote speakers who underscored the critical importance of championing soil health at national and global scales.

A Welcome Message from the Director of BSWM, Dr. Gina Parde-Nilo, who was then attending and representing the Philippines as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the EU Women Negotiator for the UNCCD in Panama, emphasized the integration of sustainable soil management practices in vacant urban spaces, a strategic approach to maximizing limited urban resources while promoting ecological balance.

Keynote Addresses from Distinguished Leaders

The event featured addresses from leaders across international, national, and legislative spheres. His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his December 5 message for WSD 2025, articulated a vision of soil as foundational to national identity and progress. “A nation is rooted in the ground it stands on as the soil is its oldest confidante and most faithful witness.” Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), articulated the significance of the Green Cities Initiative in supporting and expanding urban green spaces. Dr. Lionel Dabbadie, FAO Representative to the Philippines, underscored the necessity of mainstreaming soil health into national programs addressing food security, climate adaptation, and One Health priorities.

Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols A. Manalo emphasized the urgency of inter-institutional coordination to safeguard soil as a vital, life-sustaining resource fundamental to the nation’s progress. Hon. Anna York P. Bondoc, MD, representing Pampanga’s 4th District in the House of Representatives, advocated for sustained investment in BSWM’s soil laboratories, recognizing their critical contribution to evidence-based agricultural and environmental policy.

Honorable Senator Francis Pancratius “Kiko” Nepomuceno Pangilinan, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, captured a foundational principle of sustainable agriculture in his remarks: “You do not feed the crop, you feed the soil.”

Celebrating Youth Excellence: Competition Winners

In the Soil and the City: #SoilCityIn60 competition, 

First Place: Prince Loyd “Mayumi” Besorio of Tanauan City, Batangas;

Second Place: Ma. Vinica Makinano of Melchora Aquino High School, Quezon City;  

Third Place, Mark Anthony S. Cunanan of Bulacan; and

The Youth Choice Award:  Prince Loyd “Mayumi” Besorio.

In the Urban Gardening in Terrarium Ecosystem Competition,

First Place: Ria Pauleen D. Glino of Adamson University; 

Second Place: Damien Marco R. Loveriza and Alcyone C. Fernandez of San Francisco High School;

Third Place : Baby Ignacio of Rizal Technological University; and

The Most Creative Terrarium Award: Nathaniel Alemania, Aldrinne Kaye Arienza, Cristian N. Babaran, Jonathan M. Barro, Ingrid G. Bentir, Jhon Mark C. Catacutan, Kert Rohel M. Cruz, Irish Catherine C. Llamera, and Prince Jhared J. Morfe of Rizal Technological University

For the Batang Soil Detectives competition, 

First Place: Ozil Lacanlale, Shane Sales, Nicole Sison, Evangelina Joy R. Lapuz, and Annielle Macale Mabanta of Aranguren Integrated School;

Second Place: Lira Airyenn Benjamin of Calamba, Laguna; and 

Third Place:Francisco L. Falcon III, Klyner B.Dela Cruz, Cloud Aragorn S. Lim, Franzia Jenine A. Farro & Jillaine Khendra E. Montiero of  Dr. Alejandro Albert Elementary School. 

The Special Award: Christian Jacinto, Geraldine Manuel, Nathaniel Querido, Charlene Santos, and Carl Miguel Libao, “Brainy & Cool – Batang Science Communicator” of Iluminada Roxas Mendoza Memorial High School.

BSWM Assistant Director Ms. Denise A. Solano delivered the Closing Remarks that resonated with urgency and purpose. She reminded attendees that World Soil Day is not merely a ceremonial observance but represents a collective responsibility demanding sustained action and commitment.

Looking Ahead: Advancing the Soil Health Agenda

As WSD 2025 activities continue, BSWM is preparing to convene the Philippines Soil Partnership (PSP) Forum: Action Area 2 from December 10–12, followed by Life Cycle Assessment Training on December 13. These will be complemented by the PSP 3rd Plenary Assembly on December 15, along with the inauguration of the Smart Green House. These forthcoming engagements exemplify the Bureau’s unwavering commitment to advancing soil science, strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships, and catalyzing informed action toward the sustainable management of soil and water resources.

Through this year’s celebration, BSWM reinforces a fundamental truth: healthy soils are the bedrock of healthy cities. By prioritizing education, fostering innovation, and empowering youth leadership, the Bureau is cultivating a future in which soil is not only recognized and valued but actively protected as an essential pillar of sustainable national development. The path forward demands collective vigilance, sustained investment, and an enduring commitment to the stewardship of this irreplaceable natural resource.

(Baldwin Pine, GSITD)

#DA #BSWM #BagongPilipinas #BSWMBAGONGPILIPINAS #MasaganangAgrikultura #MaunladNaEkonomiya #ParaSaMasaganangBagongPilipinas #WSD #WorldSoilDay2025
#BSWMWSDHealthySoilsforHealthyCities