The DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) presented and turned over the project outputs of the Soil Survey and Suitability Assessment of Agricultural Areas of Borongan City, Eastern Samar in Technical Report (hardbound and digital copies) and Maps formats (Thematic and Decision Maps) to the City Local Government on March 26, 2021 at Teatro Ibabaonon, Eastern Samar State University (ESSU).
A Plaque of Appreciation was also awarded to CLGU Borongan, under the Leadership of Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan C. Agda, in recognition of its initiative and generous support to ensure the completion of the Project, a testament to CLGUs commitment to serve the needs of the society on food security while ensuring soil and water resources sustainability.
The project was an initiative of CLGU Borongan in collaboration with BSWM which aims to gather and analyze soil and water resources information and transform them into necessary inputs for the formulation of a long-term plan for sustainable agriculture and environmental management, and the rational development of Borongan City.
During the presentation proper, the following were discussed in detail:
- Rationale of the Project
- Methodologies and Project Implementation Scheme
- Landuse/Vegetation Assessment
- Climate and Water Resources Assessment
- Soils of the Area
- Suitability Assessment
- Soil Fertility Assessment
The presenters included Mr. Sandy B. Abiad, Mr. Ronald Allan A. Dimaano, Engr. Erwin B. Renos, Mr. Salvador A. Fabula and Ms. Noemi M. Pascual, respectively
Among the important personalities who graced the event were Hon. Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan C. Agda; Hon. Vice Mayor Emmanuel T. Tiu Sonco; DA-RFO VIII Regional Executive Director Angel C. Enriquez CESO III; JD ESSU VP for Research and Development Dr. Rhodora Rivera and ESSU VP for External Affairs and International Linkages Dr. Vicente Agda, Jr. The participants consisted mainly of local Key Officials who expressed willingness to learn the key findings and recommendations of the Project. They are expected to contribute to its adoption, development and successful implementation.
The guests and participants were welcomed by Dr. Rivera on behalf of Dr. Andres C. Pagatpatan, Jr., ESSU President. According to Dr. Pagatpatan’s written message, “This science-based and research-based undertaking is indeed a breakthrough in our shared aspirations – to provide sufficient food in every table for Boronganons and elsewhere”. With this, he assured the continued support and commitment of ESSU to the Dukwag Agrikultura Program, an initiative spearheaded by the Borongan City LGU.
During the Opening Program, Mayor Agda highlighted in his message that the whole Boronganons is grateful to the BSWM for the genuine support to the City’s “Dukwag Agrikultura Program” as it contributes to attaining economic growth and better life for the Boronganons. “Naturingan kita nga agricultural city pero we cannot produce our own food anymore.” Mayor Agda said. He believes that the development of their agricultural resources through this project shall create opportunities not only to the local farmers and fishermen but also for all the citizens of Borongan. To make this endeavor a success, he encourages everyone’s cooperation, support, commitment and prayers.
On behalf of BSWM OIC-Director Sonia M. Salguero, Ms. Noemi M. Pascual, Senior Agriculturist of the Soils Survey Division delivered her prepared speech. She emphasized that soil and water, as the key components in various ecosystem services, are very challenging fields to study. Most of its concepts require integration of skills from both fundamental and applied disciplines and must be supported by science-based researches to upkeep key decisions on the strategic planning, hence, she commends the initiative, and unwavering support and commitment of the CLGU Borongan to this collaborative project.
Moreover, in her message Dir. Angel C. Enriquez also commended the CLGU Borongan under the leadership of Hon. Mayor Agda for prioritizing Dukwag Agrikultura among its flagship programs, and for initiating this worthwhile project. “I feel proud to announce to other LGUs of Region 8 that the CLGU Borongan initiated this kind of project wherein before any crop should be planted, the soil survey and suitability assessment of agricultural areas should be done first” Director Enriquez added. The project outputs to be turned over will give an opportunity to the residents to engage in fruitful endeavors and earn additional income, while ensuring food availability, accessibility, affordability, sustainability, and environment-friendly and healthy options for the local populace. She also pointed out that this will not materialize without the support of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Department Heads, National Agencies, Punong Barangays and Farmers Associations.
