By Kenneth Marcos 
In Libuganan, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur, the fields were alive with excitement as over 120 local farmers gathered for the ABFS-Corn Harvest Festival. Corn stalks swayed under the sun as participants prepared to reap the fruits of months of careful, science-based farming.
The festival, organized by the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) together with DA Regional Field Office IX and the Local Government Unit of San Miguel, showcased the results of the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy for Corn (ABFS-Corn). This technology, promoted nationwide under the National Soil Health Program, provides site-specific, science-based guidance on fertilizer use to help farmers improve corn yields sustainably.
During the event, participants engaged in actual harvesting at demonstration sites, enjoyed fun agricultural games, and shared their personal experiences with the ABFS technology. Many farmers noted significant improvements in productivity. One testimonial highlighted an increase from 160 sacks per hectare under traditional fertilization methods to 220 sacks using ABFS-Corn.
The festival emphasized how applying the right mix of organic and inorganic fertilizers based on soil analysis can boost productivity while protecting soil health. ABFS-Corn helps farmers optimize fertilizer use, reduce costs, and adopt sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and their livelihoods.
The technology demonstration covered 100 hectares across four barangays—Libuganan, Betinan, Sayog, and Limonan—and benefited members of the POBEDA Corn Cluster Association. The event also brought together representatives from national and local agencies, including DA RFO IX, the Municipal Agriculture Office, barangay officials, and leaders of farmer associations. Their presence highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, local units, and farmers in promoting modern, science-driven agriculture.
The ABFS-Corn Harvest Festival is part of a larger effort to strengthen corn farming in Zamboanga del Sur. By demonstrating how modern techniques can improve yields and ensure sustainable farming, the program supports farmers’ incomes while helping the municipality meet local and national food production goals.
The celebration was not just about harvests but also about learning, sharing, and inspiring more farmers to adopt better farming practices. For many participants, it was a reminder that combining tradition with science can lead to both abundance and long-term prosperity.
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