On April 19-20, 2022, DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management-Water Resources Management
Division (DA-BSWM-WRMD) facilitated a blended Training of Trainers (TOT) for selected
participants from BSWM, Regional Focal Persons, Regional Project Development Officers, Regional
Community Development Officers and Local Government Unit (LGU) on Soil Rehabilitation and
Balanced Fertilization.

The activity was conducted to educate farming communities, specifically Small Water Irrigation
System Associations (SWISAs) on balanced fertilization management to reduce production cost and
dependency on inorganic fertilizers, prevent soil fertility loss, and restore soil quality.

DA-BSWM Assistant Director and the National Focal for the Implementation of National Soil Health
Program (NSHP) Dr. Gina P. Nilo stated in her message that “we are celebrating the silver
anniversary of Proclamation No. 1071 series of 1997 – Adoption of the Balanced Fertilization
Strategy (BFS) and this BFS training will guide us to have a cost-efficient and proper combinations
of organic and inorganic fertilizers to sustain the increases in rice productivity.”

In addition, the training provided participants with necessary training to enable them to serve as
part of scaling-up the balanced rice fertilization to mitigate the impacts of rising fertilizer cost and
to maintain healthy soils. Participants also had the opportunity to provide feedback on BFS.

“With the Balanced Fertilization Strategy, we can contribute to lessen carbon footprint and we
really help our environment on facing climate change and our farmers can save around Php. 2,000
per hectare,” Dr. Nilo added.

The Role of the SWISAs in the implementation of Balanced Fertilization Strategy, Soil Nutrient
Management One- DA Balanced Fertilization Strategy Protocol, Organic Production and How to use
Soil Test Kit (STK) are the highlights of the said training. (Julus Enoch Fechalin – Information Unit)