January 27-31, 2025 – The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), through its Laboratory Services Division (LSD) and Soil Survey Division (SSD), continues the second week of operations for the Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL). This week, the MSL serves the municipalities of Sta. Ignacia and Mayantoc, Tarlac, providing vital soil analysis and capacity-building activities.

A training session was conducted at Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU), focusing on the Protocol for Soil Sample Collection, the use of Soil and Water Test Kits, and the BSWM Fertilize Recommendation (FertRight) App. The event was attended by representatives from the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Sta. Ignacia and Mayantoc, local farmers, and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture students majoring in Soil Science from TAU.

As part of the initiative, an on-the-spot soil analysis was conducted to assess soil health and fertility. Soil samples submitted by LGUs and farmer representatives are analyzed, ensuring that local stakeholders receive timely and data-driven insights for improved soil management.

This Program underscores BSWM’s commitment to providing accessible, reliable, and accurate soil analysis solutions while equipping agricultural communities with essential knowledge and tools to enhance soil health management.

To highlight the cutting-edge capabilities of the MSL, BSWM Director Dr. Gina Parde-Nilo, accompanied by Ms. Florfina Sanchez (Chemist IV) and Mr. Chino Antonio (Chemist III), invited Ms. Ronette Furio, Ms. Cryselle Rombao, and Engr. Lester Dulay from the Provincial LGU of Tarlac for a guided tour of the facility. They were joined by TAU President Dr. Silverio Ramon Salunson, who explored the laboratory’s advanced equipment and discussed potential collaborations between BSWM and the University. During the visit, Director Nilo encouraged President Salunson to consider joining the Philippine National Soil Laboratory Network (PhilNaSoLAn) to further strengthen TAU’s laboratory capabilities and agricultural research initiatives.

Additional activities are scheduled across various municipalities in Tarlac from January to March 2025. Through these ongoing efforts, BSWM continues to promote sustainable agriculture by making soil testing services more accessible to farming communities nationwide.

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