- Article by: By VJSanchez and MRamos
- Calapan, San Teodoro, Pinamalayan
The Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAgO) brought its soil laboratory services directly to farmers through on-site soil analysis conducted in Calapan, San Teodoro, and Pinamalayan from March to May 2025. The initiative aimed to promote sustainable farming by helping farmers understand their soil condition and optimize fertilizer use.
A total of 362 rice farmers benefited from the activity, which used the Soil Test Kit (STK), a rapid diagnostic tool that delivers fertility results quickly, enabling immediate feedback and efficient decision-making.
In Calapan, the activity was held on March 27 and April 2, serving 60 farmers and collecting 60 soil samples from Barangays Santa Cruz, Balite, and Mahabang Parang.
In San Teodoro, conducted on May 8–9, 64 farmers were served, with 70 samples collected from Barangay Tacligan.
From May 14–16, Pinamalayan hosted the activity, assisting 238 farmers and collecting 244 samples from 17 barangays, Panggulayan, Nabuslot, Bacungan, Anoling, Sabang, Delrazon, Maliancog, Pagalagala, Sta. Rita, Marfrancisco, Cacawan, Papandayan, Bangbang, Sta. Maria, Pambisan Munti, Sta. Isabel, and Buli.
After testing, farmers received specific fertilizer recommendations tailored to their soil’s nutrient needs, including guidance on the type, amount, and timing of application helping boost productivity and reduce input costs.
The activity was spearheaded by Mr. Arthur P. Fortu, Agricultural Center Chief II; Mr. Ruel Balay, Agricultural Technician II; and Ms. Michelle D. Quinto, Laboratory Aide, with support from the City/Municipal Agriculture Offices of Calapan, Pinamalayan, and San Teodoro.
This initiative highlights the Provincial Government’s commitment to empowering farmers with science-based practices for resilient and productive agriculture. ●