By Kenneth Marcos 
The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) gathered over 70 information officers and agency representatives on December 10, 2025, to mark the first-ever Annual Information Officers’ Forum on the Philippine Soil Partnership (PSP). The event, held at the BSWM Lopez Convention Hall and streamed via Zoom, highlighted the country’s renewed focus on soil health and sustainable land management.
The forum opened with a warm welcome from BSWM Director Dr. Gina Parde-Nilo, who emphasized the significance of the gathering. “Our discussions are anchored on the three key Action Areas of the Global Soil Partnership—promoting soil knowledge, advocating soil health, and fostering technical cooperation,” she said, stressing that healthy soil is fundamental to agricultural productivity and national food security.
The forum featured presentations from experts who shared insights on soil management and the PSP. Dr. Karen S. Bautista discussed the overall objectives of the Philippine Soil Partnership, while Ms. Georgina Carmelle Z. Siena highlighted BSWM’s specific interventions under PSP Action Area 3, focusing on raising awareness and promoting soil literacy. Mr. Vince Albert P. Ching presented the National Soil Health Program, providing participants with the latest updates on initiatives to sustain soil fertility.
In addition, the DA Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division, through Ms. Ira Cruz and Ms. Kristel Joyce Merle, conducted a session on effective strategies for creating and sharing technical and scientific content. Their lecture aimed to strengthen the communication skills of public information officers, ensuring that messages about soil health reach farmers and stakeholders clearly and effectively.
A workshop led by Ms. Pett Ocampo allowed participants to develop unified communication strategies aligned with PSP Action Area 3. The session encouraged collaboration, helping information officers enhance their advocacy for sustainable land use, soil conservation, and evidence-based agricultural practices.
To close the forum, participants signed the Manifesto of Commitment, pledging to support awareness-raising campaigns and promote the sustainable management of soil resources in their respective agencies. BSWM Assistant Director Denise A. Solano thanked attendees for their active participation and highlighted the vital role of information officers in bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and the farming community.
The first Annual Information Officers’ Forum on PSP demonstrated the DA-BSWM’s commitment to empowering public information officers as advocates for soil health, ensuring that sustainable agriculture remains at the forefront of national development.
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