By Kenneth Marcos 
Farmers and local officials filled the AMOSACC Hall at the Capitol Building in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, as the first Asenso Agriculture Summit opened on February 5, 2026. The event, themed “Securing Food, Sustaining Livelihoods: Advancing Agriculture and Fisheries Development,” aimed to unite government agencies, local executives, and farmers’ and fisheries groups to coordinate programs and strengthen agriculture and fisheries in the province.
Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal stressed that effective governance should deliver tangible results, highlighting agriculture as a major driver of local growth. He presented the Asenso Misamis Occidental Vision based on the 5Ms—Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon, ug Malipayon—focused on improving the daily lives of residents through inclusive development.
Representing the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM), Mr. Henry A. Apolinares, Agricultural Center Chief IV and Soil and Water Access Team (SWAT) Region X Leader, shared the bureau’s 2026 projects and formally introduced SWAT Region X members. He was joined by Mr. Vince Albert P. Ching, Supervising Science Research Specialist, who detailed key programs such as the National Soil Health Program (NSHP), which promotes sustainable soil management to increase farm productivity and income.
Other highlighted initiatives included the Composting Facility for Biodegradable Wastes (CFBW) and Manure Processing Facility (MPF), which convert agricultural and livestock waste into nutrient-rich organic fertilizers while reducing environmental risks. The bureau also emphasized upland and small-scale irrigation projects to secure water supply for rainfed and upland farms, enhancing cropping intensity and yields.
The summit also featured upcoming projects for Misamis Occidental, such as thematic mapping, integrating Sustainable Land Management (SLM) and Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zones (SAFDZ) into local land use plans, and establishing small-scale composting, manure processing, and irrigation systems. During the open forum, provincial and municipal officials raised requests for a Provincial Soil Laboratory, validation of small-scale irrigation sites, clarification on DA and NIA irrigation coverage, and public awareness campaigns. DA-BSWM and partner agencies addressed all concerns, agreeing on measures to benefit communities across the province.
The summit showcased DA-BSWM’s commitment to empowering farmers, improving soil and water management, and supporting sustainable agricultural growth in Misamis Occidental through coordinated, science-based programs.
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