The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) commemorates its 68th founding anniversary with the theme: “Grateful and great @ 68” on June 3, 2019.
Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations Ariel T. Cayanan, together with BSWM OIC Director Angel C. Enriquez, BSWM OIC Assistant Director Edna D. Samar, and its division chiefs led the ribbon cutting ceremony of the photo exhibit at the DA-BSWM ground. The exhibit features activities conducted by different BSWM offices.
Usec. Cayanan urged BSWM employees to challenge themselves by continuously aiming for greatness in their work. He said that the bureau is an essential factor in the progress of the whole department.
“Our challenge is to break through by updating our laboratory and improve competence in the working force,” Cayanan said.
“Do not be afraid to initiate things which may contribute in the success of the bureau,” he added.
Meanwhile, Director Enriquez said employees should know their purpose as this will give meaning, significance, focus, and motivation in their life, and prepare them for eternity.
“I know there will be a lot of pressure in your decision-making but always remember: be effective by being selective,” Enriquez said.
She also expressed her gratitude to the employees and past directors who have contributed in shaping the BSWM.
During the anniversary celebration, BSWM recognized 2018 Outstanding Employees under five categories: Non-Supervisory Admin Support, Non-Supervisory Technical Support, Non-Supervisory Technical, Supervisory Admin Support, and Supervisory Technical Support. All awardees received a plaque of appreciation.
Non-Supervisory Admin Support
- Renato Gonzales
Non-Supervisory Technical Support
- Hazel Reyes
- Raquel Granil
- Nikki Rachelle Casarno
Non-Supervisory Technical
- Jemar Raquid
- Engr. Corazon Detarro
Supervisory Admin Support
- Elizabeth Bernardo
Supervisory Technical Support.
- Jacqueline Roviles
BSWM also awarded four researches and development studies from the agency in-house review and evaluation held on May 22.
For research category: 3rd place – Evaluation of Soil Amelioration using Different Methods of Application in Zinc-Deficient Areas; 2nd place – Comparative Analysis of Soil Health Status and Microbial Community in Different Rice Production Systems; 1st Place – Nutrient Dynamics Assessment of Irrigated Organic-based Lowland Rice in the Pampanga River-basin through Istopic Techniques.
For Development category: 1st place – Performance and Impact Valuation of SSIS (Solar, Wind, and Ram Pump) in Luzon and Visayas Regions for Climate-resilient and Sustainable Agriculture (Phase 2).
Another highlight of the event is the soft-launch of the enhanced BSWM website which aims to provide easy access of information to the public. The website, developed by the Geomatics and Soil Information Technology Division and the Information Office, will be open for viewing once the domain is approved. ### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)
