By Kenneth Marcos 
The school courtyard buzzed with energy as students gathered around small soil samples, eager to touch, observe, and learn. For many of them, this was the first time they were taught that the ground beneath their feet plays a crucial role in keeping cities healthy and livable.
In celebration of World Soil Day 2025, the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) brought its “Eskwelahang Munti Drive” to Ernesto Rondon High School in Quezon City on December 2. This year’s global theme, “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,” highlights how proper soil care supports food security, cleaner environments, and safer urban communities.
More than 120 students from Grades 8 and 9 joined the learning sessions led by the BSWM Geomatics and Soils Information Technology Division (GSITD), together with the DA-BSWM Youth and Children Committee. The team introduced basic concepts of soil health, explained how soil affects daily life in cities, and encouraged young people to take an active role in protecting their surroundings.
During the interactive discussions, students learned how soil supports plant growth, regulates water, and helps reduce the impact of floods—issues that are especially relevant in highly populated areas like Metro Manila. Facilitators also emphasized the growing challenges posed by soil pollution, improper waste disposal, and rapid urban development.
The activity aimed to show that even simple actions, such as planting in small spaces, segregating waste, and joining community clean-ups, can help keep urban soils healthy. Students were given hands-on demonstrations, allowing them to examine soil textures, test moisture levels, and understand what makes soil fertile. Teachers said it was a rare opportunity for young learners to experience environmental science outside textbooks and classrooms.
BSWM officials noted that educating the youth is essential in building long-term awareness about soil conservation. With the Philippines facing recurring environmental challenges—such as flooding, land degradation, and loss of green spaces—strengthening environmental knowledge among students is seen as a vital investment for the future.
The DA-BSWM continues to partner with public schools to expand its urban environmental education programs. More activities are planned for 2025 as part of the agency’s thrust to promote sustainable agriculture and responsible land use nationwide.
As the event ended, many students expressed excitement about applying what they learned. For DA-BSWM, this response reflects a growing interest among the youth to contribute to a healthier, greener, and more resilient Philippines.
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