January 20-24, 2025 | Tarlac, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM), through the Laboratory Services Division (LSD) in collaboration with the Soil Survey Division (SSD), has successfully launched the first-ever operation of the Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL). Tarlac province was the pioneering site for this groundbreaking initiative, covering its 17 municipalities and one city. The Municipalities of San Clemente and Camiling were the first to experience the state-of-the-art, 10-wheeler truck capable of analyzing 42 soil parameters.

The MSL project aims to uphold the 3 A’s of Soil Health: ACCESSIBLE, AVAILABLE, and ACCURATE SOLUTIONS, providing vital support to Filipino farmers across the country.

Soil testing is a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, enabling farmers to understand the health and nutritional needs of their soils. Historically, soil tests required transporting samples to stationary laboratories, which was often expensive, time-consuming, and inaccessible to remote communities. The Mobile Soil Laboratory revolutionizes this approach by delivering advanced testing capabilities directly to the field, offering real-time, on-site soil analysis. This innovation allows farmers to make informed decisions about soil health, fertilization, and crop management without the delays of traditional methods.

The inaugural activity was attended by various farmers and representatives from farmers’ associations and cooperatives in San Clemente and Camiling.

Leading the operation were Ms. Maribel R. Jalalon, Chief of the Laboratory Services Division, and Dr. Dante E. Margate, Chief of the Soil Survey Division. They were supported by their technical teams, including Ms. Shirley S. Buduan, Ms. Marjorie Jean E. Tao, Ms. Shaira Mhel Joy M. Granada, Ms. Mary Claire Alyssa E. Pras, Mr. John Adrian A. Pascua, Mr. Anito Tisado, Mr. Louie Sablay, and Mr. Jerome Pascual from the LSD, alongside Ms. Bella H. Noceda, Mr. Sandy B. Abiad, Mr. John Loyd M. Pagaduan, and Mr. Diether Miranda from the SSD.

The first 5-day MSL operation featured a series of activities all provided free of charge, including:

– Capacity Enhancement Training: Proper soil sample collection and the use of soil test kits.

– Soil Analysis: Assessment of physical, chemical, and biological soil parameters.

– Release of Results: Farmers will receive Soil Health Cards containing quick and accurate analysis results, enabling informed decision-making.

The Mobile Soil Laboratory provides an innovative, efficient, and inclusive solution for farmers, ensuring that soil health testing is no longer a luxury but a readily available service for all. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the National Soil Health Program and demonstrates DA-BSWM’s commitment to empowering farmers and advancing sustainable agriculture in the Philippines.

On 06 December 2024, the First Mobile Soil Laboratory was launched in Malacañang and was graced by the presence of His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.

The BSWM headed by Director Gina Parde-Nilo, Ph.D. and Assistant Director Denise A. Solano has been in constant effort to provide quality services to the Filipino farmers, and for the further improvement of soil health. 

(John Loyd M. Pagaduan, SSD)