The DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) – Region 8 team for Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) participated in the launching ceremony of โOrmoc City Corn Model Farm Establishment cum Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) Technologyโ Derby in Brgy. Cabulihan Covered Court, Ormoc City, Leyte on May 15, 2025.
The activity showcased the increasing corn farm productivity and proper crop management involving the use of high-quality seeds, ABFS, sufficient irrigation management, proper crop protection, and adopting other productivity-enhancing protocols.
Ormoc City Corn Cluster Association (OCCCA) is the partner farmer association. The launching ceremony introduced the participating companies and agencies, as well as the identified project sites in 28 barangays of Ormoc City. One hundred eighty-five are listed as farmer beneficiaries, wherein 260 hectares of their farmland will be used as the demonstration area for the project. Ninety (90) hectares of corn areas are dedicated to the technology demonstration of ABFS corn, and around 100 beneficiaries will benefit from the conduct of this BSWMโs project in Ormoc City.
The program was attended by different key officials from various sectors and agencies. Ms. Rhea A. Paรฑares, OIC-City Agriculturist of Ormoc City, introduced the guests and participants, while Hon. Lalaine Marquez, Ormoc City Councilor, heartwarmingly welcomed all guests and beneficiaries of the project. Dr. Andrew Rodolfo T. Orais, Director of DA-RFO 8, stressed the importance of the clustering and consolidation approach to increase farm efficiency and economies of scale in his inspirational message. The Chief of Field and Operations Division (FOD), Mr. Rodel G. Macapaรฑas, highlights the increasing demand for corn that has to be supported by increasing production. In her message, Ms. Maribel R. Jalalon, SWAT Focal of Region 8 and LSD Division Chief, emphasized the importance of soil health to increase crop productivity. She also highlights the other projects of BSWM that will be helpful in the agriculture sector of Region 8.
Part four (4) of the program, in the afternoon, was conducted by BSWM of Technical Briefing and Capacity Building for the Farmer Beneficiaries of 90 hectares of ABFS Corn. Rationale and Project Overview were discussed by Mr. Armando B. Arcamo, Remote Sensing Technologist II of BSWM-GSITD. Mr. Wilfredo O. De Mesa Jr., Agriculturist of the LSD, presented the ABFS protocol and recommendations as well as the role and responsibility of the stakeholders during the implementation of the technology demonstration for ABFS corn. The lectures were followed by the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Pledge of Commitment led by Ms. Maribel R. Jalalon and Mr. Edgardo Apas, President of OCCCA. An interview for the Agro-Socio Economic Survey was conducted by the ABFS Region 8 Team. Ceremonial Distribution of agricultural inputs was also undertaken by the ABFS Region 8 Team.
Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) is a science-based farming method which focuses on the use of cost-efficient and proper combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers to sustain the increases in crop productivity. Its goal is to improve fertilizer use-efficiency, soil fertility and soil health to sustain the increase in corn productivity, reduce production cost and maximize profit..
The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) is headed by Director Gina Parde-Nilo, Ph.D. who authored and initiated the National Soil Health Program (NSHP), which implements the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) in all regions in the country.
(Wilfredo O. De Mesa Jr, Agriculturist โ LSD)
