By Kenneth Marcos 
Farmers sat closely inside the covered court of Victoria, Laguna, listening as agriculture experts explained how a simple change in fertilizer practices could help raise their harvest. For many of them, the promise of higher yield and lower production cost offered a sense of hope as they prepared for the next planting season.
On November 18, 2025, the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM), through the National Soil and Water Resources Research and Development Center for Hillyland Pedo-Ecological Zone (NSWRRDC HILLPEZ), conducted a technical briefing and capacity-building session for 72 newly selected beneficiaries of the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) for Rice in Region IV-A. The activity was held at the Victoria Municipal Covered Court and served as the official start of the project’s rollout in its new techno-demo site.
The participating farmers came from irrigators’ associations in San Francisco, San Felix, San Roque, Banca-Banca, and San Benito. They were introduced to the core principles of ABFS, a science-based approach designed to help rice growers apply the right type and amount of fertilizer based on soil condition and crop needs. The strategy aims to reduce waste, improve soil health, and support more sustainable rice production across the province.
During the presentations, experts discussed the project overview, field protocols, monitoring and data-gathering guidelines, and details of the memorandum of agreement that outlines the responsibilities of both farmers and implementing agencies. A session on proper fertilizer application also guided farmers on how to balance organic and inorganic inputs to achieve better plant growth.
An open forum followed, giving farmers an opportunity to raise concerns on fertilizer costs, soil testing, and implementation schedules. Project leaders addressed each question, assuring participants that close coordination will continue throughout the planting cycle. They emphasized that the success of the program depends on accurate field data and the willingness of farmers to adopt new practices.
The event was organized with support from the Municipal Agriculture Office, the local government of Victoria, the National Irrigation Administration Region IV-A, the Agricultural Program Coordinating Office-Laguna, and the Provincial Agriculture Office. Officials from these agencies said cooperation among institutions is essential to ensure that rice farmers receive the full benefit of government technology and assistance.
In her closing reminder, San Benito Barangay Chairman Merlita Corcuera encouraged her fellow farmers to take the program seriously and apply what they learned in the field. She said progress can only be achieved if farmers put into practice the knowledge shared by agriculture experts.
Through the ABFS training, DA-BSWM and NSWRRDC HILLPEZ hope to strengthen balanced fertilizer use in Laguna, aiming for higher yields, healthier soils, and more stable rice production in the coming years.
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