PRESIDENT Bongbong Marcos Jr. recently led the country’s first-ever National Soil Health Summit.
During the summit, the importance of soil testing before the cropping season was explained.
Through this process, the appropriate crops or trees and the correct amount and type of fertilizer to be used in a particular area can be determined.
The President acknowledges the soil analysis’ critical role in achieving food security.
‘’I am a little surprised that it is the first because it is something that is so critical, and that is something that we have been getting a great number of requests from locals, the LGUs themselves, cooperatives, in that, we have to go and do the soil analysis in their place,’’ PBBM said.
The President is also aware of the country’s improper use of pesticides and fertilizers.
According to Marcos, this issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
‘’Making matters worse is the improper use of fertilizers and pesticides that pollute and acidify our soil. Needless to say, our soil is under threat and to continue to neglect this vital agricultural component will lead to an even worse crisis in the future.’’
Agusan del Sur Rep. Eddiebong Plaza is the lead convenor in promoting soil testing and science-based farming nationwide.
According to Plaza, President Marcos’ presence at the summit brings great hope.
It shows that the President is listening to the farmers.
‘’Our beloved president is very supportive of this because, in his first SONA, that’s where I picked it up, that we should have a scientific approach to agriculture, just like what our neighboring countries are doing,’’ Rep. Eddie Bong Plaza said.
For Tarlac Representative Christian Yap, the President’s support for soil health is of great significance.
It provides a way for farmers to no longer rely on guesswork when it comes to planting.
In Tarlac, they are planning to establish their soil laboratory.
This is also being done in Agusan del Sur.
‘’That is what we see as a long-term solution to eliminate guesswork for our farmers regarding the proper approach to fertilization,’’ Rep. Christian Yap said.
Bataan Representative Gila Garcia shares the same sentiments regarding the President’s support for soil science.
In her area, they practice drip farming, which is another form of science-based farming.
‘’Perhaps in the coming years, we can develop our national soil strategy that will greatly benefit our farmers by determining the areas where our yields increase due to our soil science,’’ Rep. Gila Garcia said.
According to the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, they already distribute soil testing kits to farmers nationwide.
They also express gratitude to the President for his promise to strengthen their office.
‘’I’m very pleased that with this national first soil health summit, our beloved president’s support for soil analysis has been intensified,’’ Dr. Gina Nilo, DA- Bureau of Soils and Water Management said.
With the budget season approaching, Plaza hopes that funding will be allocated for soil testing to reach farmers nationwide.
Especially now that President Bongbong Marcos serves as the Agriculture Secretary.
‘’At the end of the day, all farmers will have access once we have implemented and completed soil testing nationwide, and especially to the fertilization program in their respective areas,’’ Rep. Eddie Bong Plaza said.
‘’On the part of the government, we have come up with a 5-point priority agenda on soil and water management, such as the National Soil Health Program and the Implementation of Sustainable Land Management. [applause] This will ensure the proper use and management of soil resources, address land degradation, enhance crop productivity, and improve farmers’ incomes,’’ PBBM said.
