By Kenneth Marcos 
Before sunrise in Bukidnon’s upland communities, many farmers had already begun tending to corn fields carved into steep hillsides. These farmlands, while fertile, are at constant risk of erosion and soil loss—problems that worsen with heavy rains and changing weather. It is this daily struggle that guided discussions during a major assessment and planning workshop held in Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon this week.
The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM), together with regional offices, local governments, and farmer associations, successfully held the 2025 Year-End Assessment and 2026 Planning Workshop for the Sustainable Land Management in Corn-Based Sloping Areas (SLM-Corn) Project from November 25 to 28. The event gathered key leaders including Engr. Ma. Christine C. Inting, Dr. Candido Damo, and Riciena Louise Bulingot of the DA-National Corn Program, as well as representatives from Regions II, IV-A, V, VII, X, and XII.
The four-day activity aimed to review the project’s first-year implementation, identify best practices from different regions, and outline strategies for a stronger rollout in 2026. On the first day, participants shared regional achievements, discussed common challenges, and recommended solutions to improve project delivery. Many regions highlighted successful soil conservation practices, stronger farmer engagement, and partnerships with local governments. However, they also pointed to difficulties such as steep terrain, unpredictable rain patterns, and the need for more training materials suited to local conditions.
On the second day, the group visited the 2019 SLRMA pilot site in Sitio Bukad, Barangay San Roque in Sumilao, Bukidnon. The site tour was led by Agricultural Technician Jojo Dela Serna together with farmer leaders from the San Roque Farmers Association, including Veronica Lastima, whose farm is accredited by the DA-Agricultural Training Institute as a Learning Site for Agriculture. Participants exchanged stories, challenges, and lessons learned, giving current project sites a clearer picture of what it takes to become a model area for sustainable land management.
The visit also allowed newcomers to see firsthand the benefits of contour farming, soil barriers, and other erosion-control measures that help farmers protect their land while improving yields. Many attendees said the field experience would guide them as they refine project strategies for new and existing sites.
On the final day, participants held a planning workshop focused on the 2026 rollout. They reviewed the project’s Memorandum Circular and outlined next steps to strengthen implementation, including improved coordination among regional teams, clearer monitoring guidelines, and expanded support for farmer leaders who will help promote sustainable practices in their communities.
Representatives from BSWM’s administrative and technical units also joined the activity, reflecting the agency’s whole-of-organization approach. These included staff from the Property Management Section, Client Center, Personnel Section, and the Soil Conservation and Management Division.
Stakeholders emphasized that protecting sloping lands is not only a project goal but a long-term investment in food security. With climate change increasing the risk of soil erosion and farm losses, they said sustainable land management must remain a shared responsibility among government, communities, and farmers.
As participants returned to their home regions, they carried with them a renewed commitment to push the SLM-Corn Project forward—ensuring that upland farmers can continue planting safely, sustainably, and confidently in the years ahead.
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