On June 20, 2024, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) hosted an experts’ symposium at the DA-BSWM Convention Hall, Quezon City. The activity convened experts to discuss three major themes in soil mapping and information systems, which include “Advanced Soil Monitoring and Mapping Technology,” “National Soil Mapping Development,” and “Reinforcement and Utilization of Soil Maps,” with a focus on promoting sustainable and healthier soils across Asia.
The event was jointly organized by the Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative, the Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for the Asian and Pacific Region, and the DA-BSWM.
Resource speakers included researchers and scientists in the fields of soil and environmental science from Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, the Netherlands, Australia, and the Philippines.
Representing DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., DA Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols Manalo warmly welcomed the participants and highlighted that investing in soil health is essential.
“Our objectives are clear and compelling: to produce insights, actionable recommendations, and a network for ongoing collaborations. We all know that healthy soils are fundamental for sustainable agriculture and food security. Soils not only give us 95 percent of the food we eat but also silently provide us with almost all ecosystem services and functions that enable life to exist on Earth,” he said.
After the experts’ discussion, a poster session was held in the afternoon to present current findings on research in soil health and soil mapping development.### (photos by Ardy Tompong, DA-AFID)
