Celebrating its 75th founding anniversary with the theme, “BSWM Keep Shining Like a Diamond: Patuloy ang Pangangalaga sa Lupa at Tubig tungo sa Maunlad na Agrikultura at Kabuhayan”, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) paid homage to its partner groups and institutions, along with their shared commitment to collective stewardship of land and water resources, June 1.
On June 5, 1951, the DA-BSWM was established by virtue of the Republic Act No. 622 with the primary goal of conducting soil and land valuation surveys, mapping activities, and analysis of soil genesis, morphological properties, compositions and chemicals to determine the most effective planting and fertilization strategies and improve farmers’ yields and quality of life.
These mandates, Bureau Director Gina P. Nilo explained, is a result of the Philippine government’s profound appreciation for land and water, which she described as two of the world’s most vital natural resources.
“Healthy soil is the foundation of food security, environmental sustainability, and resilient farming communities. Water management and irrigation, on the other hand, are essential because they ensure that crops receive the right amount of water at the right time in the right place and in the most efficient way possible,” she said.
Currently, the Bureau has five agenda—the National Soil Health Program; the implementation of the Sustainable Land Management; the supervision, regulation, and control of establishment and operations of local soil laboratories under the Presidential Decree No. 1435; the Philippine Soil Land Resource Information System and Mapping; and climate-resilient agriculture through rainwater harvesting and cloud seeding operations—which Director Nilo said has been receiving full support from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.
Delivering the Secretary’s keynote address, Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization and for Rural Credit Engr. Roger V. Navarro said that despite challenges brought by climate change, resource scarcity, and more, the DA—through the BSWM—will continue to extend programs and services for the sustainable use and management of land and water resources for agriculture.
“By advancing science, fostering collaboration, and upholding the values of stewardship and service, the BSWM will continue to serve not only the Republic [of the Philippines], but also the wider community and the wider world,” Usec. Navarro shared.
As part of the 75th anniversary celebration, the DA-BSWM launched the FertMap (fertilizer map), a geo-reference database that consolidates soil data and offers a calibrated fertilizer recommendation engine. It can provide tailored recommendations based on the soil health of a specific planting area; expert-level insights to smallholder farmers without extra cost; benefit rural communities by reducing overfertilization, lowering production costs, and mitigating harmful effects on the environment; and help the DA family and local government units (LGUs) design targeted agricultural policies and subsidy programs using real-time aggregated data.
Users can input their field location and target crop in the FertMap, which will then yield specific nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium prescriptions that can help farmers choose the appropriate crop/s to plant based on soil and weather conditions and identify optimal planting periods.
FertMap is accessible at https://nsid.bswm.da.gov.ph:5173.
The Bureau also awarded plaques of recognition to its partners, ranging from farmers’ groups and cooperatives, civil society organizations, academe, media, LGUs, national government agencies, international organizations, and DA family offices.
“This celebration reminds us that the success of the BSWM in the past 75 years has been built not only by the Bureau, but by the many partners that shared our vision of protecting and sustainably managing our soil and water resources. Your support, expertise, and commitment have helped transform programs into meaningful impacts for our farmers, communities, and the nation. We recognize you as our BSWM diamonds; and like diamonds, your contributions continue to create lasting value and inspire future generations. Our theme can only become a reality because of partners like you that continue to shine alongside us. Patuloy po tayong magningning na parang diyamante, at higit sa lahat, patuloy po nating pangalagaan ang ating lupa at tubig para sa ating magsasaka, sa susunod na henerasyon, at para sa ating bayan,” BSWM Assistant Director Denise A. Solano expressed. ### (Krystelle Ymari A. Vergara, DA-AFID)
