“Laging may BSWM na handang tumulong sa mga magsasaka para sa kaunlaran ngating mamamayan”, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) Director Sonia M. Salguero said during the Farmers’ Field Day (FFD) held in Brgy. Barcelona, Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte.

The BSWM conducted an FFD on Sustainable Land Resource Management Approach (SLRMA) in Developing Agro-Environmental Potential on Vulnerable Uplands and Hillylands (DAEPVUH), advocating soil and water conservation measures to prevent soil erosion in sloping areas. It was attended by 200 participants from the DA-RFO IX; local farmers, LGU of Dapitan City and members of the Cassava Growers and Processors Association (CAGAPA).

Highlights of the program is a tour of the Technology Demonstration site showcasing 7 stations such as the Varieties of Cassava, Lakan, Golden Yellow and Rayong; Pest and Diseases of Cassava; Composting Practice, Brush Dam installation; the Soil Profile of the site classified under the Castilla series with A and B horizon; Farmers Practice; and Soil Erosion Measures. Tree planting was also conducted.

The program was held on February 14 at the open court of Brgy. Barcelona attended by the Honorable Vice Mayor of Dapitan City Mr. Jimboy Chan; City Councilor and  Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, the Honorable Ronie M. Jarapan; CAGAPA Livelihood Coordinator Ms. Susan Empeynado, Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer Ms. Ana Aying; BSWM Soil Conservation and Management Division Section Chief Mr. Jose Manguerra and Technical Staff; and other LGU Officials.

In the speech of BSWM Dir. Salguero, she mentioned that before the implementation of the SLRMA approach for the Corn Program, it started with the Sustainable Corn Production in Sloping Areasor SCoPSA. From 3 to 5 hectares of technology demonstration, it expanded to 20 hectares for this project. She challenged the farmers to encourage their children to take up agriculture-related courses and Agri- Entrepreneurship for young professionals as promoted by the Secretary William D. Dar. The project will run for 5 years which started in 2019 and will end by 2024.