By Kenneth Marcos 
In the quiet town of San Felipe, Zambales, experts and field officers from across the country gathered this week with one goal—to improve how the Philippines manages its farmlands for a more productive and sustainable future.
The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM), through its Agricultural Land Management and Evaluation Division (ALMED), is conducting the Technical Review and Workshop for the Integrated Land Resources and Evaluation Approach for SAFDZ-SLM from November 4 to 7, 2025. The event brings together project teams from 24 provinces to assess ongoing efforts and plan better strategies for land development and soil conservation.
Led by Ms. Jovette T. Almeda, the workshop focuses on reviewing project outputs, identifying challenges, and sharing best practices gathered from field experiences. Discussions aim to refine methods that ensure efficient use of agricultural land and to align them with the country’s long-term food security goals.
The SAFDZ-SLM initiative—short for Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zones – Sustainable Land Management—seeks to identify, develop, and protect areas best suited for farming and fisheries. It also addresses soil degradation, improper land use, and the need for rehabilitation of problem soils.
Participants from various regional offices are presenting reports on land use assessment, soil mapping, and management practices in their respective areas. The collaborative discussions are expected to strengthen coordination among provinces and improve the implementation of agricultural land management programs nationwide.
According to the DA-BSWM, proper land evaluation and planning are vital to ensure that farming areas remain productive and resilient amid the growing challenges of climate change, urban expansion, and declining soil fertility. The agency continues to push for science-based policies and community-driven approaches that promote sustainable farming systems.
The four-day workshop also highlights the importance of partnerships among local government units, farmers, and national agencies in ensuring that agricultural resources are well-protected and efficiently used for future generations.
By strengthening technical knowledge and sharing practical solutions, the DA-BSWM aims to help every province manage its land resources more responsibly—paving the way toward a truly “Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.”
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