By Kenneth Marcos 
Golden fields of corn shimmered under the morning sun in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, as farmers, local officials, and agricultural experts gathered to celebrate the annual Corn Harvest Festival on January 7, 2026. The festival highlighted not only a bountiful harvest but also the growing success of modern farming techniques helping local farmers increase yield and income.
The event, organized by the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) Soil and Water Access Team (SWAT) Region 11, brought together stakeholders from the Provincial Agriculture Office, the Municipal Agriculture Office of Kapalong, and members of the BALMAR Fruits, Vegetables, and Crops Association. The festival opened with a ceremonial harvest, showcasing the results of the 90-hectare Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) demonstration farm.
The ABFS program uses a combination of organic and chemical fertilizers, guided by soil testing and expert advice, to restore soil fertility and increase crop production. Farmers following ABFS recommendations reported remarkable improvements in their harvests.
“My corn production used to be very low,” said Ronel Pangantihon, an ABFS beneficiary. “Now, my 1.1-hectare farm yielded 8,490 kilos of dry corn. This was possible because I followed the advice of BSWM personnel.”
Another beneficiary, Mayolito Estorio, added, “The ABFS program is excellent. Thanks to the government’s support, our soil has regained its fertility, and our production has grown significantly.”
The ABFS approach emphasizes soil health and sustainable farming. By using organic fertilizers alongside balanced chemical applications, farmers can increase yields without degrading the land. It also reduces costs over time, giving small-scale farmers a higher return on investment while protecting the environment.
According to DA-BSWM, expanding the use of ABFS in corn-growing areas has shown consistent results in crop quality and productivity. The Kapalong festival serves as a platform not only to celebrate harvest success but also to promote knowledge-sharing among farmers and encourage adoption of sustainable farming practices across the region.
The festival’s success reflects broader efforts to modernize Philippine agriculture while supporting smallholder farmers. By linking innovation, government programs, and community cooperation, events like the Corn Harvest Festival ensure that agricultural progress benefits both farmers and local communities.
For farmers like Pangantihon and Estorio, the celebration is more than a festival—it is proof that science-based farming and government support can transform livelihoods, restore soil health, and strengthen food security in Davao del Norte.
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