The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) commemorates its 72nd founding anniversary with the theme: “Nurturing Soil and Water Resources through Digital Innovation” on June 5, 2023.
In her keynote message, Senator Cynthia Villar stressed that the DA-BSWM is important in leading the soil health program in the country.
“The DA-BSWM has been essential in ensuring the sustainable use of land management and enhance crop productivity and farmers’ income. Its tireless efforts contributed to enhancement of agricultural productivity through soil conservation and sustainable agricultural land management, soil resource assessment, and mapping,” Villar said.
She also commended the Bureau for fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious agricultural sector by offering technical assistance to farmers through effective soil resource management to maintain soil productivity and farm profitability, as well as to strengthen the rural economy, enhance the global competitiveness of local produce, and enhance soil quality.
“Over the years, the DA-BSWM has adopted evolving challenges face by agricultural sector. It has embraced technological advancement, scientific researches, and collaborated with various stakeholders to address emerging issues such as climate change, land degradation and soil and water pollution,” Villar said.
Sen. Villar reaffirmed her support for the composting technology and the use of organic fertilizers as better farming methods for soil preservation. As such, the Senator provided additional funding support for DA-BSWM composting facilities and balance fertilization program last year.
Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban stressed that the DA-BSWM is one of the economic drivers of the Department in ensuring that the country will have sustainable water management and clean water resources.
As a highlight of this year’s celebration, the DA-BSWM soft launched “Mainstreaming, Institutionalization, and Legislation of the BSWM National Soil Health Program and Strategy”, which serves as the roadmap of the Bureau for 2023–2030.
Following the pronouncement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that all agricultural areas in the country shall be geomapped to help farmers produce better goods, Director Gina P. Nilo stressed that the DA-BSWM is prepared to start its project. ###
