PHILIPPINES NATIONAL SOIL LABORATORY NETWORK

Briefer

Presidential Decree No. 1435 Global Soil Laboratory Network and the Philippine National Soil Laboratory Network

For PD 1435 Website

Section 3a of the Department Circular No. 3 series of 2019 led to the establishment of the National Soil Laboratory Network for the Philippines (Phil NASOLAN). This is an extension of the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN); which was launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) last November 1-2 2017 and was later followed by the establishment of the Regional Soil Laboratory Network (RESOLAN). The Phil NASOLAN was formed following the endorsement of the global implementation plan for the Global Soil Partnership Pillar 5: Harmonization of Methods, Measurements and Indicator for the Sustainable Management and Protection of Soil Resources.

As such, the purpose of the PHIL NASOLAN is in line with that of FAO-GLOSOLAN: to improve the quality of soil laboratory data to support decision making at field and policy levels. It specifically aims to: (1) strengthen the performance of laboratories through use of standardized methods and protocols; (2) harmonize soil analysis methods so that soil information would be comparable and interpretable across laboratories; and (3) provide a certification for technical competencies in laboratory analysis.

Furthermore, the PHIL NASOLAN encompasses all activities towards improvement of laboratory Quality Assurance (QA) implementation and laboratory competency through Ring Tests or Proficiency Testing programs. The network will focus on sharing of best practices in soil testing activities of all soil laboratories, linking of laboratory data and provision of training for laboratory personnel.

The PHIL NASOLAN was established last June 2017 and was launched last September 23, 2019 at the BSWM Convention Hall; wherein 24 members of the network consisting of all Soil Laboratories in the country such as DA-Regional Soil Laboratories, Private Soil Laboratories, State Universities and Colleges and International Organizations signed the Commitment of Support. The network has been consistently growing, and now has 48 member soil laboratories.

PHILIPPINES NATIONAL SOIL LABORATORY NETWORK

ESTABLISHMENT OF A NETWORK OF SOIL LABORATORIES IN THE COUNTRY:

LAUNCHING OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL SOIL LABORATORY NETWORK (PHIL NASOLAN)

LAST SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

PHILNASOLAN GENERAL ASSEMBLIES;

1^st General Assembly last November 9-10, 2020 – Launching of DA MC 33 s. 2020 and identification of key areas for capacity building interventions
2^nd General Assembly last December 22, 2021 – Establishment of Formal Organizational Structure of the Network, Election of Co-chairs per laboratory category and development of strategies to integrate their activities in support to the National Soil Health Program
3^rd General Assembly last December 28, 2022- Presentation of results of implementation of the 1^st Phil NASOLAN Proficiency Testing Scheme, and Accomplishments of respective laboratory categories.
4^th General Assembly – Strengthening partnership with State Universities and Colleges through signing of Memorandum of Agreement for the provision of laboratory equipment and establishment of framework for the operationalization of Mobile Soil Laboratories

THE 1ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD LAST NOVEMBER 9-10, 2020 WITH A TOTAL OF 101 PARTICIPANTS

THE 2ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD LAST DECEMBER 22, 2021 WITH A TOTAL OF 79 PARTICIPANTS

3rd Gemeral Assembly Held Last December Dec 28

3RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD LAST DECEMBER 28, 2022 WITH A TOTAL OF 83 PARTICIPANTS

The 4th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD LAST NOVEMBER 20-22, 2023 WITH A TOTAL OF 98 PARTICIPANTS