ASC inks MOA with BSWM for the provision of state-of-the-art Soils Lab
ASC President Dr. John N. Cabansag inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) through Director Gina P. Nilo for the provision of laboratory equipment during the opening program of the 4th General Assembly of the Philippine National Soil Laboratory Network (PhilNASOLAN) held at the BSWM Lopez Convention Hall in Diliman, Quezon City on November 20, 2023.
ASC is one of the five SUCs in the country to be a recipient of the state-of-the-art soils laboratory from the BSWM. The occasion was graced by BSWM Director Dr. Gina P. Nilo, Senior Usec Domingo F. Panganiban of the Department of Agriculture, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Presidents and representatives of Central Mindanao University, University of Southern Mindanao, Central Luzon State University, DA’s regional field heads and personnel, and other national agencies.
The ASC team includes Dr. Mirasol Agpuldo, Director of Extension Services, Luna Campus, Dr. Rowena Gasmena, Program Chair, BS Agriculture (BSA) and BS Agriculture and Biosystem Engineering (BSABE), Dr. Angelito Renosa, Mr. Julius Oandasan, Mr. Leandro Torres, and Ms. Marites Garillo, faculty members of the BSA and BSABE of ASC-Luna Campus.
The provision of state-of-the-art soils laboratory is part of the National Soil Health Program (NSHP) being implemented by the BSW0M with the following four project components: 1) institutionalizing national soil monitoring and rejuvenation program, 2) soil health monitoring through mobile soils laboratory, 3) strengthening of partnerships with various stakeholders, and 4) production and improvement in soil analysis.
The Bureau of Soils and Water Management has been advocating for the NSHP and rainwater harvesting that will address concerns on crop productivity and water availability as soil and water are crucial elements in agriculture.
Dr. John N. Cabansag in his response after the MOA signing thanked Dr. Gina P. Nilo for the provision of a soil laboratory in Luna Campus. He further mentioned that the MOA signing manifests the desire of SUCs to establish concrete and effective utilization of soil and water resources as vital agricultural resources to attain food security, food safety, and environmental stability. In conclusion, Dr Cabansag said that “healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy crop and healthy farm.”
