Last 20 May 2023, Saturday, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM), through its Soil and Water Resources Research Division (SWRRD) Chief Dr. Karen S. Bautista, and Soil Survey Division (SSD) Chief Dr. Dante E. Margate, graced the interview with the Saturday News Forum PH and served as Resource Persons on the topic about the Use of Biofertilizers in Agriculture.
During the interview at the Saturday News Forum, Dr. Bautista mentioned that two of the pressing issues that need to be addressed in the country are the surge in prices of inorganic fertilizers and the declining soil fertility level. She then mentioned that one of the things that we do in relation to these concerns is the provision of training on how to use alternative inputs as part of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS).
Aside from the DA-BSWM, the interview was also graced with the Resource Persons from the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) to discuss the government policies to ensure that water is available to those who need it; Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to discuss what the MWSS is doing to provide adequate water supply to consumers through the water concessionaires; and Department of Energy (DOE) to discuss on the Malampaya issues.
On that same day, Dr. Bautista also had a phone interview with DZBB Radio Program
“Dobol Weng sa Dobol B” hosted by Ms. Rowena Salvacion and Mr. Weng Dela Peña. The said interview focused on the discussions about biofertilizers. “Ang biofertilizer ay isang uri ng pataba o ng fertilizer na nagcocontain ng mga beneficial microorganisms na nakakatulong upang mas masolubilize o matunaw yung mga nutrients sa ating lupa,” Dr. Bautista said. She further said that soil health is being replenished with the use of biofertilizer. According to her, “Dito po sa biofertilizer, nababawasan po yung paggamit ng synthetic fertilizers, so balanse po yung fertilization strategy natin. Hindi lamang po synthetic chemicals o synthetic fertilizers, kundi meron din po tayong biofertilizers na may beneficial microorganisms na nandoon.”
Dr. Bautista and Dr. Margate represented the DA-BSWM in accordance with the agency’s mandate on the sustainable management of soil and water resources for agriculture. At this point, the DA-BSWM is in the efforts to provide assistance on the issue of the rising prices of fertilizers through the Balanced Fertilization Strategy.
