4

CONTENTS
Partnerships for Biodiversity
Conservation: Mainstreaming in
Local Agricultural Landscapes
otherwise known as
Biodiversity Partnerships
Projects (BPP)

page 7

BSWM Hosts 4th Bhutanese

Institutional Visits

page 8

Soil Conservation Guided

Farms Under Peat and
Peatlands of the Philippines

page 9

World Overview of
Conservation Approaches and
Technologies (WOCAT)

page 16

Soil Conservation Guided Farm

Projects Activities

page 17

DA-BSWM Establishes New

Trichoderma Laboratory in
Banaybanay, Davao Oriental;
Two-Day Training Follows

page 19

BSWM Christmas 2012 Photo

Gallery

page 20

For more information visit http://

www.bswm.da.gov.ph/
2

The Soil Conservation and Management Division Plays

A Key Role in the Promotion and Implementation of
Sustainable Land Management (SLM)
By: Engr. Samuel M. Contreras

he Soil Conservation and Management Division

(SCMD) as one of the technical divisions of the

BureauofSoilsandWaterManagement(BSWM),has
playedapivotalroleintheimplementationofsustain
able land management to address land degradation.
Despitethemanychallenges,thedivisioncontributed
to the overall efforts of the BSWM in developing
The Soil Conservation and Management Division Family

awareness and advocacy of farmers on the need to

adopt soil and water conservation technologies to

change, land degradation, biodiversity loss), attain

protectournaturalresourcebasewhileprovidinglive

ment of economic targets, and provision of social

lihoods to upland dwellers. Primarily, the SCMD with

needs.Inthisrespect,theBSWM,throughtheSCMD

its strong 21 technical and administrative staff under

iscurrentlyparticipatinginrelevantnationalprograms

four sections (i.e. Soil Conservation and Land Use

thatincludetheDENRPAWBprojectsPartnershipfor

Planning, Soil Fertility Rehabilitation, Soil Manage

BiodiversityConservation:MainstreamingintoAgricul

ment, and Land Development) is engaged in the im

turalLandscape(BPP).AsamemberoftheDATWG,

plementation of soil conservation guided farm which

the BSWM is expected to contribute in the develop

servesasademonstrationfarmandlearningcenterof

mentofanationalprogramandpolicyforthepromo

appropriatesoilandwaterconservationtechnologies.

tion of indigenous crops and biodiversityfriendly

In the process, it provides technical assistance to in

farmingpractices.

terestedfarmersandsoilandwaterconservationad

vocates in the establishment of the demonstration

TheBSWM,throughtheSCMD,isalsooneofthekey

farm and in the conduct of farmers trainings on soil

members of the National Technical Working Group

conservation. Over the years, the SCMD has engaged

(NTWG) organized for the implementation of the

andsupportedtheimplementationandpromotionof

ASEAN Peatland Forest Project (APFP) also being

ecofriendly farming system such as agroforestry,

spearheaded by DENRPAWB. As agreed, the BSWM

conservation tillage, contour farming, natural vegeta

willprovidetechnicalassistanceonwetlandconserva

tivestripsdevelopment,andorganicfarmingthrough

tion farming including soil fertility and crop manage

thesoilconservationguidedfarmprojectandagricul

ment,mappingandvalidationofwetlands,anddevel

turalwatershedmanagement.

opingoptionsforagricultureinpeatlandecosystem.

ThedivisionhasalsoparticipatedinthevariousR&D

BSWMrecognizedthatsoilandwatermanagementin

activities.IncollaborationwiththeJapanInternational

theagriculturesectorshouldbelookedintowithinthe

Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), it

general framework of sustainable development goal

has just completed a research titled Evaluation of

thataddressesenvironmentalchallenges(e.g.climate

(Continued on page 4)

As part of our efforts to strengthen our linkage with

(Continued from page 3)The Soil Conservation and Management Plays...

other WOCAT members, the BSWM hosted four (4)

PigeonPeaCoverCroppingandNoTillasaSoiland

Bhutanese Study Tours and Institutional Visits since

Crop Management Practice in the Corn Areas of Isa

2008. Participants during the visits consist of District

bela. It is currently working with JIRCAS on another

GovernorsandMiddleLevelManagersfromtheMinis

researchprojectRelationshipbetweenfrequentgully

try of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Royal Govern

erosionandherbicideresistantcornvarietyutilization

mentofBhutan.Thesevisitsprovidedtheopportunity

in Cagayan. The research intends to explain the ac

for BSWM to showcase available SLM technologies

tualfieldsituationofgullyerosionanditsrelationship

thatcouldbeadoptedinBhutan.Aspartofthelearn

with frequent herbicide application in sloping corn

ing process, interaction between Bhutanese visitors

areasinCagayanRiverBasin.

andfarmersandlocalleaderswasalsoorganizeddur

ingthevisits.

While there are ongoing researches to explain the

probable causes of soil erosion and look for possible

Aside from awareness and advocacy campaign and

interventions to solve the problems, it is also known

knowledgemanagement, an enabling environment in

thattherearealreadygoodpracticesonsoilandwa

termsofaunifiedsoilandwaterrelatedpolicy,insti

terconservationandmanagementdevelopedbyvari

tutional arrangements, and financing to broaden the

ous research institutions and being adopted by farm

implementation of sustainable land management are

ers.However,thesepracticesremaindisperseandnot

also crucial. The BSWM, through the SCMD, partici

properly documented. An effective knowledge man

pated in the deliberation of the House Bill (HB) 4468

agementanddecisionsupporttoolsforupscalingand

that seeks to promote soil and water conservation

replicating these good practices are therefore very

technologies and approaches for SLM in the Philip

important.Alongthisline,theBSWMplaysakeyrole

pines. Introduced by Hon. Sharon S. Garin and Hon.

asittakesthelead,throughtheSCMD,inthepartici

Juan Edgardo M. Angara, the bill was recently ap

pation of the Philippines in the World Overview of

proved by the Committee on Appropriation of Con

ConservationApproachesandTechnologies(WOCAT),

gress.Oncepassedintoalaw,itwillfurtherenhance

a global network of specialists working in the field of

and institutionalize the implementation of soil and

Sustainable Land Management (SLM). It aims to col

waterconservationatthelocallevel.

lect,compare,disseminateandutilizeinformationon

soilandwaterconservation.Italsoprovidesaframe

Soilresourcesareunderthreatbyhumaninducedand

work for Knowledge Management and Decision Sup

natural factors. Yet, the risk to livelihoods emanating

portforSLM.Alocalcounterpart,thePhilippineCon

from land and soil degradation including watershed

servationApproachesandTechnologies(PhilCAT)was

degradation, does not receive the attention it de

thereforeorganized,withBSWMasthecurrentchair,

serves.Withthesechallenges,theSCMDwillremainin

to strengthen the Philippine participation to WOCAT.

the forefront as one of the technical divisions of the

The SCMD facilitated the holding of regular meetings

BSWM that will promote SLM to protect our soil

ofPhilCATincludingrelevanteventssuchasthe13th

which, is a key for securing water, food, energy, and

WOCATWorkshopandSteeringMeeting(WWSM)on

building our resilience to climate change as empha

October1217,2007andtheWOCATASOCONWork

sized by the United Nations Convention to Combat

shoponMarch2628,2012.

Desertification(UNCCD).

TheAsiaSoilConservationNetworkfortheHumidTropics(ASOCON)
By: Filipina Z. Ventigan

heAsiaSoilConservationNetworkforthe
HumidTropics(ASOCON)wasformedwith
the support of the UNDP/FAO in 1989 and be
cameaquasilegalentityinJune1993.Thenet
work was established by the capable institu
tionsofChina,Indonesia,Malaysia,PapuaNew
Guinea, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
These countries fall within the Humid Tropical
Zone of Southeast Asia with broadly similar
ecological conditions and therefore subject to
similar physical risk of erosion. Membership of
ASOCONwithineachcountryisthroughtheNa
Participantsduringthe14thNCBmeetingheldatFirstPacific
tional Network as represented by the National
LeadershipAcademy,Rizal
Coordinator(NC)andtheNationalNetworkCo
ordinationCommittee(NCC).NationalCoordinatorsformthenetworkConsultativeBoard(NCB)whichservesas
boththesteeringcommitteeandthepolicyformingbody.TheactivitiesandworkprogramforASOCONarede
termined by a Network Consultative Board whose membership is made up of the National Coordinators from
eachmembercountry.Thenetworkaimstoassistitsmembercountriesthroughtheprogrammeofinformation
exchange,regionalworkshops,expertconsultationsandlearningactivitiestoenhancetheskillsandexpertiseof
thoseresponsibleforthedevelopmentofdisseminationofsoilandwaterconservationpracticesforsmallscale
farmers.Theultimateobjectiveistohelpsmallscalefarmersusetheirlandsustainablyandproductively.
TheNCBmeetatleastonceayear.Duringthepast20years,previousmeetingsachieved:

Year
1989
1990
1991
1991
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000

Activity

1stNCBmeeting

Country
Indonesia

nd

Thailand

rd

Philippines

th

th

Indonesia

th

Indonesia

2 NCBmeeting
3 NCBmeeting
4 NCBmeetingpriortotheendof3yearssupportingprojectofRAS
5 NCBmeetingestablishmentofASOCONbysigningJointMemorandumofUnderstanding(JMOU)
6 NCB meeting in conjunction with Framework for Action on Land Conservation for Asia and Pacific
(FALCAP)
7thNCBmeetinginconjunctionwithLandConservationProgramforAsiaandPacific(LASCAP)

China

th

Malaysia

th

Vietnam

8 NCBmeetinginconjunctionwithConservationofLandsinAsiaandPacific(CLASP)
9 NCB meeting in conjunction with World Overview for Conservation Approaches and Technologies
(WOCAT)
10thNCBmeetingtothelinkoftheWOCATimplementation

China

th

Philippines

th

Malaysia

th

11 NCBmeeting
12 NCBmeetinginconjunctionwithSymposiumonSlopingLangManagement

2008

13 NCBmeetingstrengtheningASOCONcapacityandinvitemorecountriestobemember

Indonesia

2012

14thNCBmeeting

Philippines

Attheregionallevel,theASOCONSecretariatandImplementingAgencyconsistsofaCoordinationUnitheaded
by a Regional Coordinator, while at the national level, each country appointed a National Coordinator being a
seniorofficerasthefocalpointinhis/hercountryandresponsibleforthenetworkactivities.
(Continued on page 18)

Community-based Soil Conservation Guided Farm Project Success Stories

SoilConservationStaff
A.Brgy.SanRoque,CityofSanJosedelMonte,Bulacan

ncreasingpopulationhasforcedfarmerstousemar
ginal lands including lowfertility and fragile upland
and hilly areas. These areas are vulnerable to drought,
soilerosionandfertilitydecline,andotherformsofsoil
andwaterresourcesdegradation.Insomeareas,farmers
occupyandaccesseventhesocalleddangerzones(e.g.
landslideproneareas)fortheirlivelihoods.Thus,thereis
a need for a more rational and optimum utilization of
uplandresourcesthroughamoresociallyacceptableand
appropriatesoilandwaterconservationapproachesand
technologies that will utilize these resources in a more
sustainablemanner.Giventhecurrentsituation,thereis
a need create awareness and advocacies, mobilize local
communities,andenhancefarmersparticipationinpro
tectingournaturalresourcebase.

TheBSWM,incollaborationwiththeLGUofSanJoseDel
Monte,Bulacanhasestablished10hectaresSoilConser
vation Guided Farm Project in Brgy. San Roque, City of
SanJoseDelMonte,Bulacan.Thisprojectaimstoshow
casethelatesttechnologiesinsoilconservationfarming.
Started in 2007, it likewise serves as a venue for field
researchers, planners, the academe, and policy makers,
tointeractandlearnfromeachothertofurtherenhance
the implementationandadoptionof differentofsoil
conservation farming techniques. To this date, soil con
servation technologies such contour farming, plastic
mulching, crop rotation, intercropping, organic farming
as demonstrated in the project, are being adopted by
other farmers in adjoining communities. The Guided
FarmProjectalsofeaturesavarietyofcropssuchasram
butan, lanzones, banana, citrus and pineapple. Vegeta
blesthatincludeeggplant,papaya,greenpepper,toma
toes, cabbage and pole
Someofthesoilandwater
sitaoarebeingplantedas
conservationmeasuresand
technologies
alley crops. Through the
project, the LGU and
BSWM have also initiated
relevant activities such as
the: conduct of Farmer
Field School (FFS), estab
lishment of vermi beds,
establishment of mini
greenhouse,
piggery,
poultry, and goat raising
inordertocapacitateand
provide additional liveli
hoods to farmer recipi
ents. Presently, the pro
ject has 17 farmer
cooperators.Justrecently,
through the initiative of
Water Resources and
Management Division of
BSWM, different water management technologies such
asSmallWaterImpoundingProject(SWIP),SolarPower
Pump, and Ram Pump were also established. The Soil
Conservation Guided Farm Project, after almost 5 years
since its establishment, now serves as demonstration
area of soil and water technologies. Its regular visitors
includestudents,farmers,researchersandinternational
expertsanddecisionmakers.Trueenough,theprojectis
a manifestation that strong collaboration between the
LGU and national agencies such as the BSWM as they
sharetheirexpertiseandlimitedresources,couldleadto
aviableprojectforouruplandfarmers.

The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM),

throughtheSoilConservationandManagementDivision
(SCMD), is implementing the Soil Conservation Guided
FarmProjecttoenhancelocalgovernmentparticipation
and mobilize local communities to manage our upland
soil and water resources. It showcases the adoption of
appropriate soil and water conservation technologies
whileprovidinglivelihoodopportunitiestouplandfarm
ers.Itencourages,assists,andcreatesadvocaciesamong
uplandfarmerstoundertakesoilandwaterconservation
measures (e.g. contour farming, natural vegetative
strips,mulching,andorganicfarming)intheuplandsand
hilly lands. It involves awareness campaign, capacity
buildingandlearningbydoingapproachestofieldap
plication.WiththeBSWMprovidingtechnicalassistance,
theprojectiscurrentlybeingimplementedincollabora
tion either with the Local Government Unit (LGU) or
FarmersGroup.ThesearesuccessstoriesofLGUledand
FarmersCooperativeledSoilConservationGuidedFarm
andhowtheyevolvedovertheyears.

(Continued on page 14)

Partnerships for Biodiversity Conservation: Mainstreaming in Local Agricultural

Landscapes otherwise known as Biodiversity Partnerships Projects (BPP)
By: Engr. Evangeline F. Dacumos

diversityfriendly agricultural practices. Likewise, the

heBiodiversityPartnershipsProjects(BPP)isan

LocalGovernmentUnits(LGUs)playanimportantrole

initiativeoftheDepartmentofEnvironmentand

indeterminingthedirectionofresourceuseandcon

Natural ResourcesParks and Wildlife Bureau (DENR

servationwithintheirjurisdictions.

PAWB) and the National Economic and Development

Authority (NEDA) funded by UNDPGlobal Environ

Theeight(8)pilotareacoverageoftheDAComponent

mentFacilityforaperiodofsix(6)years(20102016).

in the BPP is confined to areas around and within

The project partneragencies include the Department

identified Protected Areas (PAs) and Key Biodiversity

of Agriculture (DA), Department of Interior and Local

Areas(KBAs)oftheDENR,beingthehabitatofthreat

Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Indus

ened and endemic species which are globally signifi

try (DTI), National Commission of Indigenous People

cant for biodiversity conservation. These are: (1) Lu

(NCIP),DepartmentofTourism(DOT),PhilippineCom

zonMagapitProtectedLandscape/NortheasternCa

missiononWomen(PCW),LeagueofProvinces,Cities

gayan Key Biodiversity Area and Quirino Protected

and Municipalities, Conservation International (CI)

Lanscape; (2) MindoroMt. Siburan; (3) Palawan Ma

Philippines, Haribon Foundation, Flora and Fauna In

lampaya Sound; (4) Negros Panay Central Panay

ternational (FFI), Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF),

Mountains and Northern Negros Natural Park; (5)

LakeMainitDevelopmentAlliance(LMDA),andPhilip

MindanaoLakeMainitandMt.Hamiguitan.

pineBiodiversityConservationFoundation,Inc.(BCFI).

The Project aims to assist Local Government Units

The DENRPAWB established a Project Management

(LGUs)incriticalecoregionsofthePhilippinestobet

Unit(PMU)tooverseetheprojectimplementation.On

ter incorporate the conservation and sustainable use

thepartoftheDA,theUndersecretaryforPolicyand

of biodiversity resources in their development plan

Planning directly supervises the performance and

ningsystemsandeconomicgrowthstrategies.completionoftheBPPandseatsintheProjectBoard.

A BPP DA Technical

Working Group (TWG) was cre

Along with mining and logging, agriculture expansion

ated to spearhead the project implementation and

hasbeennotedbythe4thNationalReporttotheCon

coordinate with other DA concerned agencies, bu

ventiononBiodiversity,asoneofthemajorcausesof

reaus and regional offices, as well as with DENR

forest fragmentation and biodiversity loss. With this

PAWB. It is chaired by Engr. Samuel M. Contreras of

observation, the role of the agriculture sector is fully

BSWM, cochaired by Assistant Director Evelyn A.

recognized to contribute in providing longterm solu

EsquejoandMsAmparoC.AmpilofAgriculturalTrain

tions and arresting these environmental threats by

ingInstitute(ATI)andDAPolicyResearchService(DA

making certain activities in the production landscape

PRS), respectively. The members are representatives

toconservespeciesassemblagesandmaintainecosys

from concerned DA offices and bureaus such as ATI,

temfunctions.Thus,theDAanditsconcernedoffices

BAFPS, BAR, BAI, BFAR, BPI, BSWM, DAPlanning Ser

andbureausareconsideredpartnersintheimplemen

vice,DAFOSSPCMADandDAPRS.

tation of this Project particularly in achieving a na

tionallevel.

TheexpectedoutputsfromtheDAinclude:(1)Devel

policy,programandtechnicalcapacitytosupportbio

(Continued on page 13)

BSWM Hosts 4th Bhutanese

Institutional Visits
by: Melijoy C. Pearanda

he Bureau of Soils and Water Management

(BSWM) through the Soil Conservation Manage
ment Division (SCMD) headed by Engr. Samuel
Contreras,hostedtheBhutaneseInstitutionalVisit,the
fourthtechnicalexchangebetweenDepartmentofAg
ricultureBSWM and Royal Government of Bhutan on
December912,2012.

Thesaidvisitwasaimedtobroadentheunderstanding
onSustainableLandManagement(SLM)particularlyits
mainstreamingintolocal,regionalandnationaldevel
opment plans and program. Moreover, sharing of ex
periences on soil conservation and fertility manage
mentespeciallyforhillylandsandmountainsoilswas
highlighted and showcased the technologies devel
opedformarginalruralfarmers.

Field tours were arranged to visit Soil Conservation

Guided Farms at San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and at
the BSWM National Soil and Water Resources Re
search and Demonstration Center in Tanay, Rizal; In
ternational Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and at the
Gene Bank in University of the Philippines Los Baos
(UPLB); Multiple Cropping Systems in Alfonso, Cavite
and Tagaytay City; and at the Cavite State University
(CvSU)demonstrationfarminIndang,Cavite.

During the Closing Ceremony, Mr. Tashi Wangdi, Pro

ject Manager, thanked the BSWM for arranging their
institutionalvisitwithimmenseemphasisonthetech
nologiesandpractices.IalsothankedBSWMparticu
larly the staff of SCMD for their warm welcome and
hospitality making the Philippines like a second home
forthem,headded.Inreturn,Mr.Wangdiinvitedthe
BSWMfortheirincomingconventiononSLMon2013
inBhutan.

This Institutional Visit not only proves the Philippines'

tourism slogan Its More Fun in the Philippines but
alsothesayingHavingFunWhileLearning.

DelegatesfromtheRoyalGovernmentofBhutan

StudyTouratIRRIsRiceWorld

StudyTouratIRRIsPostharvestFacility

FieldtouratSoilConservationGuidedFarmsatSanJosedel
Monte,Bulacan

Field Tour at the BSWM National Soil and Water Resources Research and
Demonstration Center in Tanay, Rizal

SOIL CONSERVATION GUIDED FARMS UNDER

PEAT AND PEATLANDS OF THE PHILIPPINES
By:WilfredoB.Sanidad,PhD.

he Soil Conservation and Management Division

(SCMD) of the BSWM is presently collaborating
withtheProtectedAreasandWildlifeBureau(PAWB)
since 2008, and actively engaged with the ASEAN
PeatlandForestProject(APFP)fundedbytheGEFand
IFAD. The BSWM is one of the Key members of the
National Technical Working Group (NTWG). The col
laboration brings the creation of the National Action
Plan (NAP) for the sustainable use and protection of
thePhilippinePeatlandsinyear2009.

ProjectImplementation

Thefirstquarterof2012bringsthePAWBandBSWM
to draft a Memorandum Of Agreement in the imple
mentationofthePeatlandconservationandmanage
mentintheAgusanMarshonly.Themainresponsibil
ityoftheBSWMisto:providetechnicalassistanceon
wetlandconservationfarmingandlanduseincluding
soilfertilityandcropmanagement;mappingandvali
dation of peatlands in the country; and to promote
options for agriculture in peatlands which do not de
grade peat and conservation of unique undisturbed
peatlands.

Thesecondquarterof2012bringstheBSWMtoplan
andformulateSoilConservationmeasuresunderwet
landconditionsandtheestablishmentofGuidedFarm
Demonstration sites. This is a complete reversal of
the usual guided farms commonly established in up
landtohillysiteswherewateravailabilityisthelimit
ingfactor.

Field visit and assessment was made by Dr. Wilfredo

B.SanidadandEngr.BonyDelaCruzwithintheAgusan
MarshinApril2012.Six(6)siteswerevisitedandand
theyarelistedasfollows:

Caimpugan,SanFrancisco,AgusanDelSur

NewVisayas,SanFrancisco,AgusanDelSur

Maharlika,Talacogon,AgusanDelSur

Causwagan,Talacogon,AgusanDelSur

SanTeodoro,Bunawan,AgusanDelSur

Pagasa,Sta.Josefa,AgusanDelSur

Location of the Three Peatland areas of the Philippines

IntheSucceedingyearin2010theBSWMformedthe
Peatlandsurveyassessmentandmanagementteamto
delineateandmapthepeatlandareasofthecountry.
In this endeavor seven potentially existing peatlands
scattered in the islands of Luzon, Visayas and Min
danaoweresurveyedandvalidated.Todate,outof7
sites,onlytheAgusanMarsh,Ligwasanmarshandthe
leyte Saba Basin were confirmed to be the existing
peatlandareasofthecountry.
In October 37 2011, Dr. Wilfredo B. Sanidad of the
SCMD, joined the National Technical Working Group
TeamtorepresenttheBSWMtoafivedaystudytour
inSelangor,Malaysia(Figure1).

Figure1.PhilippineNationalTechnicalWorkingGroupPartici
pantsinthefivedaystudytouratSelangor,Malaysia.(1)This
is an international commitment of the Republic of the Philip
pinestothe ASEAN community to poster the management of
our peatland soils ; (2) The study tour will update the Philip
pinesoncurrenteffortsofitsAsianneighborsonpeatlandsoil
and natural resources conservation; (3) This study tour gives
us an opportunity to get possible funding for researches and
projects relating to peatland soil conservation and manage

(Continued on page 12)

Making our Lands More Efficient for Production

By:Engr.BonyP.DelaCruz,Engr.EvangelineF.DacumosandEngr.MamertoF.Martinez

ostofthehillylandsinthePhilippinesarecur
rently exposed to upland cultivation as pri
mary agricultural lands are converted into other land
usetoaccommodatetheincreasingpopulation.How
ever,itisoftenunproductiveduetolanddegradation
problems aggravated by poor management tech
niques. Unproductive uplands are also attributed to
common soilrelated constraints such as shallow soils
and high levels of coarse fragments, acidity, low or
ganicmatterlevelandlownutrient,andwaterreten
tion capability. With these scenarios, many areas are
nowleftidlebyuplandfarmers,withnohopetomake
theseareasproductive.

With the strong desire of making uplands productive

and profitable, the Soil Conservation and Manage
ment Division (SCMD, led by Engr. Samuel M.
Contreras, established a Soil Conservation Guided
Farm(SCGF)TechnoDemoinTanay,Rizal,incoopera
tionwithRizalNationalSoilandWaterResourcesRe
searchandDevelopmentCenter(RNSWRRDC)headed
by its OfficerinCharge, Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza.
It demonstrates and showcases the appropriate soil
and water conservation (SWC) technologies for sus
tainable upland production and profitability. The es
tablishmentofSCGFisoneofthecoreactivitiesofthe
SoilConservationandManagementDivision.Itserves
asamodelfarminthelocalitytopromoteSWCtech
nologiesanditsbeneficialperformancebothenviron
mentallyandeconomically.

The project site occupies the northeastern portion of

thepremisesofRNSWRRDCwithanareaofabout0.4
hectare.Originally,theareawasdominantlyvegetated
by cogon, talahib, and other shrubs. It used to be a
training ground of the Philippine Army until 2006.
Sincethen,itremainedidleuntilmid2012.

The established SCGF integrates suitable soil and wa

ter conservation practices that can contribute to the
sustainabilityofthefarmingsystem.

It includes soil improvement and slope stabilization

techniques such as contour strip planting, trenching,
establishmentofcontouredhedgerows,naturalvege
tativestrips(NVS),brushdamsandrainwaterharvest
ing technologies, planting of leguminous crops,
droughtresistant crops, and cover crops, improve
ment of road network, minimum tillage, recycling of
organicmatterandothernutrients,andbalancedfer
tilization.

Atpresent,about200trees/fruitseedlingsareplanted
intheareasuchasguyabano,jackfruit,palm,coconut
andnarra.Inaddition,variousvegetablesandannual
crops were also planted like squash, bitter gourd,
pineapple,lemongrass,etc.

Moreinterventionsareneededtobeimplementedin
theareatomakeitreallyproductiveinthefuture.For
instance,thereisaneedtoconstructwaterreservoir
and overhead tank for supplemental irrigation during
dry season. It is also important to continue the im
provement of road networks for easy access in the
area. Construction of terraces (natural and man
made)isneededforcropproductiondemonstration.

During the establishment of SCGF at

TNSWRRDC

Improvementofroadnetworks

Before the establishment of SCGF

10

Continued from page 10

Constructionofinterceptorcanals

Establishmentofcontours
usingatrencher

Establishmentofperimeterfence

Plantingofpineappleascontour
hedgerows

Plantingoftimberandfruitseedlings

After the establishment of SCGF at TNSWRRDC

a

Hedgerows:(a)lemongrass,(b)pineapple,and(c)palms;(d)squashasstripcrop

After the establishment of SCGF

11

(Continued from page 9) Under the Peat and Peatlands of the Philippines

A technical report on the FIELD ASESSMENT AND RE

CONNAISSANCE SURVEY REPORT in the conduct
Guided Farm Demonstration Sites for Sustainable
Agriculture in Agusan Marsh was the output of that
activity. Soil and water interventions under wetland
conditionswereformulatednamely,afloatinggarden
madeofindigenousmaterials,aplasticcoveredgreen
houseandtheraisedbedmethodofplanting.

Inthethirdquarterof2012(July29Aug1)thepilot
demonstration site in Caimpugan , San Francisco,
Agusan Del Sur was established. Five (5) representa
tivesfromeachsiteattendedtheestablishmentofthe
demonstration/construction of the Guided Farm and
details of the activity are presented in a daily basis
below:

OnsiteConstructionoftheFloatingGardenbythestakeholdersusing
Indigenousmaterialslikebamboopolestoserveasfloaters.

ProjectstakeholdersmeetingwiththeBSWM,PAWB,PAWD,Triba
LeadersandDENRofficialsinBrgyCaimpugan,AgusaDelSur.

Installationofthegardenflooringandthefinishedfloatinggarden
withthestakeholders

Dr.WilfredoSanidadstresssomepointsduringhispresentationofthe
designandconstructionoftheproposedFloatingGardenandplastic
coveredgreenhousetothestakeholders.

TheFloatingGardenwasimmediatelyputintotestandallowedto
stayafloatovernight.

(a) Peat/soilmixina2.5m2areawillbeallowedtoincubatefora
monthbeforefertilizationandplantingistobemade.
(b) Constructionoftheraisedbedmethodofplantingandinstalla
tionofplasticcoveredgreenhouse.

RiverCrossingonthewaytothepeatlanddemosite

12

(Continued from page 7) Partnership for Biodiversity Conservation

opment of a national policy for biodiversityfriendly

agricultural practices within and around the above
projectareas:(2)EnhancedcapacityoftheDAatthe
national and regional levels to provide technical sup
port to LGU MAOs in biodiversityfriendly practices;
(3)EnhancedDABAFPSexistingcertificationschemes;
(4) Conservation and utilization of indigenous crops
through a national policy and program; and (5) DA
protocolsforinsitu/onfarmconservationbytheBAR
BAR in partnerships with LGUs, academe, research
institutionsandfarmers.

BPPLaunchingcumConsultationWorkshopinSablayan,

Theinitialactivitiesconductedsincetheinceptionare
the following: (1) National & Regional Orientation on
the BPP for DA relevant attached agencies and bu
reaus, identified focal persons per concerned DA Re
gionalFieldUnits(DARFUs)andprovinces;(2)Devel
opmentofworkshopdesignfocusedonpolicies,prac
tices, and current initiatives/capability interventions

BPPDATWGmetwithREDLucrecioR.Alviar,Jr.andstaff
attheDARFUII,TuguegaraoCity

undertaken to promote biodiversityfriendly agricul

tural practices by different governmental (both na
tionalandlocallevels)andnongovernmentalorgani
zations;(3)Enumerationofinitialrelevantagricultural
practices; (4) Compilation of indigenous crops; (5)
Developmentoftemplatesonpolicies,goodpractices,
capability development and training needs , certifica
tion schemes and inventory of indigenous crops to
harmonizedocumentationprocessesandtofacilitate

BPPConsultationWorkshopinSta.Ana,Cagayan

workshops in the region; (6) Project launching cum

workshops on biodiversityfriendly agricultural prac
tices in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro; Sta Ana, Ca
gayan; and Mati, Davao del Norte. These activities
willpavethewayforthesuccessfulimplementationof
the Project through the convergence of partners and
thelocalstakeholders.Thetargetbeneficiariesandon
sitepartnersoftheProjectaretheProvincialandMu

BPPDATWGandDAstaffaftertheBPPConsultationWork
shopandProjectSiteReconnaissanceinCagayanValley

nicipal LGUs, Indigenous Peoples Groups, local com

munitiesandotherlocalstakeholders.

13

(Continued from page 6) Soil Conservation Guided Farm Project

B.Brgy.SanIsidRo,Rodriguez,Rizal
This project was initiated through the request of Mt.
Balagbag Multipurpose Cooperative whose advocacy is
tocontributeinrestoringandprotectingourforestwhile
providing livelihoods to its farmer members. At the
start,theybelievedthatindeeditwilltakealongtimeto
harvest the fruit of their toil but the Soil Conservation
GuidedFarmPlanwhichwasdevelopedfortheirareaby

BriefingorientationforTreeplanting

the BSWM has made them realized that there are sus
tainable soil conservation practices that could be
adoptedinspecificslopesandtopographyinwhichthey
couldcultivatecashcrops.TheyalsousedthesameSoil
Conservation Farm Plan in securing support and assis
tancefromDepartmentofEnvironmentandNaturalRe
sources (DENR) to pursue their communitybased refor
estationprograminMt.Balagbag.Thesiteislocatedin
thehighlandsofMt.Balagbagwatershedintheprovince
ofRizal.Ithasaninitialareaof72hectares.Basedonthe
FarmPlan,therecommendedsoilconservationpractices

Treeplantingactivity

which are being followed and undertaken by farmer

members are the planting of mahogany, kakawate and
rambutan as hedge crops while coffee seedlings were
plantedasalleycrops.Vegetablessuchaseggplant,let
tuce and green pepper were also planted in plots with
plasticmulchbutinselectedareasonly.Basedfromthe
informationgatheredfromthechairmanofMt.Balagbag
Multipurpose Cooperative, an additional 166 hectares
oflandadjacenttotheprojecthasbeenawardedtothe
cooperative by the DENR as expansion area of the
guided farm project. It served as the site of a series of

TreeplantingactivitywithBrgy.CaptainGanaban

tree planting activities of personnel from the Philippine

NationalPolice,BureauofFireProtectionandotherna
tional government offices in compliance with the Na
tionalGreeningProgramofthegovernment.Includedin
the activities are planting of bamboos along waterways
andgulliesofMt.Balagbagwatershed.TheSoilConser
vationGuidedFarminMt.Balagbagisagoodexampleof
communitybasedeffortsofuplandfarmerswhoseinitia
tives are now being fully recognized by concerned na
tionalagenciesasreliablepartnerstoprotectourupland
Basalapplicationoforganicfertilizer

resources.

14

CareerShiftforThreeSoilConStaffs

By:BaldwinM.Pine

oureaditright!ThreeofthegreatestmenoftheSoilConservationandManagementDivisionwillbeshiftingfor
a new career. A career that requires no brainer ora pound forpound. But a career to sit back and enjoy the
fruitsofsacrifices,retirement,thatis.

AsHartmanJulequotedRetirementhasbeenadiscoveryofbeautyforme.Ineverhadthetimebeforetonoticethe
beautyofmygrandkids,mywife,thetreeoutsidemyveryownfrontdoor.And,thebeautyoftimeitself.Indeed,re
tireesfeelthesame:EngineerArnulfoB.Gesite,Dr.WilfredoB.SanidadandManuelS.Sandoval.Itstimetoembrace
thebeautyofoneness;nothingismorethanrewardingthantohavingthetimewithourbelovedfamily.
EngineerArnulfoBarisGesite
Chief,WaterResourcesManagementDivision
OIC,SoilConservationandManagementDivision

HewasborninBalangkasanEasternSamar.HeishappilymarriedtoElizabethCaber
Contado and blessed with three kids: Arn, Charity and Excel. He finished his Bache
lorsDegreeinAgriculturalEngineeringatUniversityofEasternPhilippinesyear1970.
Yearafterhisgraduation,hewasemployedattheBureauofSoilsasemergencyem
ployeewithasalaryofPhp8/dayandlateronbecameJuniorSoilTechnologistinthe
sameyear.April1,1975,hewasgivenapermanentpositionasSeniorSoilTechnolo
gist.Year1981,hewasplacedasSupervisingSoilTechnologist,SupervisingAgricul
turalDevelopmentSpecialist(1988)andSupervisingAgriculturistpositionthefollow
ingyearuntil2007underSoilConservationandManagementDivisionEngineerGesite
actedasOfficerInCharge(OIC)oftheSCMDforaboutayear.Beforehelefttheoffice,
hewastheChiefoftheWMRD.
WilfredoBellaSanidad,Ph.D
SupervisingAgriculturist,
SoilConservationandManagementDivision

HewasbornintheprovinceofAbra.HeismarriedtoRufinaRea,alsoagovernmentemployee.They
areblessedwithfourchildrennamed:DonnaLyne,Katrina,Vernadette,andWilfredoJr.Hefinished
his Masters of Degree in Agriculture at Gregorio Araneta University Foundation and his Doctor of
DegreeinAgricultureattheUniversityofQueensland,Australia,wherehewasoneoftherecipients
of John Alwright Fellowship. Year 1978, he was employed as Soil Technologist 1 at the Bureau of
SoilsandgivenAgriculturistIIposition(19892001).HelefttheofficeasSupervisingAgriculturistof
LandDevelopmentSection,SCMD.
ManuelSeggaySandoval
AgriculturistII,
SoilConservationandManagementDivision

HewasborninLosBaosLaguna,marriedtoTeresitaClementeSta.Ana,a
government employee of BSWM. They are blessed with two kids: Jeff Russel and Jemuel. He
finishedhisBachelorsDegreeinAgricultureatAranetaUniversityFoundation.Heworkedat
the Bureau of Soil as emergency employee year 1971 under Agricultural Land Management
EvaluationManagementDivision(ALMED).Year1989,whenhewasappointedasAgriculturist
II.
TheAchievements.Theretireeswereabletoshowexemplifiedperformancesintermsofworkdedication,leadership
andprofessionalism.Theyreceivednumerousrecognitionsasarewardoftheirfruitfulgovernmentservice.Undoubt
edly,theirtechnicalexpertiseandinternationalexposurebroughtmammothedificetoprojectsandprogramsofthe
BureauofSoilsandWaterManagement.
The Future Plans. AsItriedtosqueezetheirfutureplansafterretirement,theyjusttoldmefarmingisallIwant.
Indeed,asanagriculturist,wecantlivewithoutthestaplesofagriculture.Andtolivewithittotheveryend.

15

WORLD OVERVIEW OF CONSERVATION APPROACHES AND TECHNOLOGIES

(WOCAT)
By: Filipina Z. Ventigan

SLM Technologies and 170 SLM Approaches from over

50 countries; 2. books and brochures (Sustainable Land
Management in Practice (2011): guidelines and Best
practicesforSubSaharanAfrica,including47casestud
ies, Benefits of Sustainable land Management (2009),
Wherethelandisgreener(2007):Globaloverviewbook,
with a selection of 70 case studies, analysis and policy
points, National overview books (Ethiopia, Bangladesh,
etc.); 3. national and regional maps of degradation and
conservation; 4. manuals for tools (knowledge manage
mentanddecisionsupport).

heWorldOverviewofSoilandWaterConservation
Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) which was
launched in 1992 by the World Association of Soil and
Water Conservation (WASWC), has developed a stan
dardized framework for the assessment and evaluation,
as well as promotion of exchange of knowledge, of soil
and water conservation (SWC) technologies and ap
proaches worldwide. WOCAT results and outputs are
accessible via the internet, in the form of books and
maps,oronCDROM.

WOCATsmissionistoprovidetoolsthatallowSWCspe
cialiststosharetheirvaluableknowledgeinsoilandwa
termanagementthatassistthemintheirsearchforap
propriate SWC technologies and approaches. Data are
collected through three comprehensive questionnaires:
onSWCTechnologies,onSWCApproaches,andonSWC
Maps. QT addresses the following questions: what are
thespecificationsoftheTechnology,andwhereisitused
(natural and human environment), what impact does it
have. The questionnaire also looks at Cost/Benefit as
pects, for the technology as well as for the approach.
The questionnaire consists of three main parts: 1. Gen
eral information; 2, specification of SLM Technology; 3.
AnalysisofSLMtechnology.QAaddressesthequestions
ofhowimplementationwasachievedandwhoachieved
it.Italsomadeupofthreemainparts:1.Generalinfor
mation;2.SpecificationofSLMApproach;3.Analysisof
SLM Approach. QM is questionnaire for mapping. Map
ping is complementary to the case studies on Tech
nologies and Approaches. There is no systematic and
standardized mapping and monitoring of degradation
andconservation(whatSLMisappliedandwhere?).The
resulting information system and analytical tools,
through a WOCAT database, overviews and maps, pro
vide a useful framework and a tool for decision makers
andprojectplannersresponsibleforSWCprojectdesign,
implementation,monitoringandevaluation.Throughthe
globalnetworkinvolvinginternationalandnationalinsti
tutionsandprograms,thevaluableknowledgeonSWCis
beingexchangedandmadeavailable.

WOCAT also contributes to the implementation of

UnitedNationsConventions,suchastheConventionsto
Combat Desertification (CCD), the Framework Conven
tion on Climate Change (FCCC), and the Convention on
Biodiversity(CBD).

In the Philippines, an interagency WOCAT Committee

(called PHILCAT) that takes care of WOCATs concern
was created through a Special Order No. 528 series of
1999bythethenSecretaryofAgriculture,Hon.Secretary
Edgardo J. Angara. The Committee consists of national
governmentagencies(NGA)concernedwithsoilandwa
ter conservation, State Colleges and Universities (SCU),
andprofessionalsocieties.Ithasthefollowingfunctions:
1) Prepare a documentation and situational analysis of
the soil and water conservation approaches and tech
nologies in the country for WOCAT; 2) Develop a joint
program proposal of WOCAT and PHILCAT for possible
fundingbythePhilippineDepartmentofAgricultureand
WOCAT in Bern, Switzerland; 3) Conduct workshop and
trainings among concerned practitioners with WOCAT,
BernandPHILCATtechnicalexperts;4)Maintainregular
contacts with WOCATEERS in Africa, Latin America,
Mediterranian countries, Himalayas and Asia as well as
withAssociationofSoilConservationNetwork(ASOCON)
membercountriesandexplorepossibilitiesfortechnical
information exchange in conservation farming ap
proachesandtechnologies;5)Activelyinitiatepolicyrec
ommendations and participate in debate on issues re
latedtoconservationfarmingapproachesandtechnolo
gies; 6) Initiate and actively participate in the prepara
tion of uptodate information and other extension ma
terialsrelevanttosoilandwaterconservationorconser
vationfarming;and7)Shallmeetregularlytoplanother
activitiesandaccomplishitsmandate/objectives.
The interagency Committee members are Bureau of
Soils and Water Management (BSWM), Forest Manage
mentBureau(FMB),BureauofAgriculturalResearch
(BAR), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), National Irri
gationAdministration(NIA),UniversityofthePhilippines
(Continued on page 18)

16

SoilConservationGuidedFarm
ProjectActivities

RamPumpinstallation
Goatraising

FarmersFieldSchool

HarvestingofPoleSitao
Pineappleforharvesting

Measuringofplantingdistance

Harvestingoftomato

17

(Continued from page 16) Overview of Conservation Approaches...

(Continued from page 5) The Asia Soil Conservation Network

Los Baos (UPLB), Philippine Council for Agriculture,

Aquatic, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and
Development (PCAARRD), Conservation Farming Move
ment(CFM),PhilippinesSocietyofSoilScienceandTech
nology (PSSST), International Centre for Research in
Agroforestry (ICRAF), Department of Agrarian Reform
(DAR),BenguetStateUniversity(BSU),BataanPeninsula
State University (BPSU), Visayas State University (VSU),
Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Xavier University
(XU),andSenate.TheCommitteeischairedbytheDirec
toroftheBSWM.

EachmembercountryhasaNationalNetworkCoordi
natingCommittee,comprisingofrepresentativesfrom
the different agencies involved nationally in soil con
servationprogramstoassisttheNationalCoordinator
incoordinatingASOCONactivitieswithinthecountry.
ASOCON undertook the following activities in achiev
ing its objectives: a) collection, compilation, and dis
semination of information concerning the situation
withintheregion;b)documentationofsuccessfulcon
servationpracticesandinnovativetechniquesanden
courage members of using WOCAT method; and c)
publications of a newsletter so called CONTOUR at
least two (2) times a year to promote ASOCONs ac
tivities.

Since1997,three(3)trainingworkshopshavebeencon
ductedwhereparticipantswerebriefedonthevisionof
WOCATanditsimportanceasaplanningtool.
The 12th WOCAT Annual International Workshop and
SteeringMeetingonNovember1217,2007washosted
by the DABSWM and the members of PHILCAT. The
workshoptookplaceattheBSWMfortheopeningday,
November 12, 2007 and at the Bohol Beach Club,
Panglao Island, Bohol during five (5) days from Novem
ber 1317, 2007, where one day was spent in the field.
Fifty (50) participants from twenty seven (27) countries
attendedtheworkshopinresponsetoaninvitationtoall
maincollaboratingandfundinginstitutions,corecollabo
rators as well as representatives from institutions that
recentlyjoinedWOCAT.

In the Philippines, the NCC members are Bureau of

Soils and Water Management (BSWM), Philippine
Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, Forestry and Natural
Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD),
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Bu
reau of Agricultural Research (BAR),Central Luzon
State University (CLSU), Agricultural Training Institute
(ATI), National Economic Development Authority
(NEDA),andFarmingSystemandSoilResourcesInsti
tute(FSSRIUPLB).

ThePhilippinesenteredtwo(2)technologiesandone(1)
approach in the CDROM which contains all the entries
of technologies and approaches practiced worldwide.
ThePhilippinetechnologiesandapproachenteredare:

The 14th NCB meeting was held last March 2628,

2012 at First Pacific Leadership Academy, Antipolo
CitythroughFoodandAgricultureOrganizationofthe
UnitedNations(FAO)incooperationwiththeUniver
sity of the Philippines Los Baos Foundation Incorpo
rated (UPLBFI) and BSWM. The ten (10) WOCAT
ASOCON member countries which attended the
meetingwerePhilippines,Indonesia,China,Malaysia,
Thailand,Cambodia,Vietnam,Bangladesh,PapuaNew
Guinea, and Bhutan. The workshop focused on the
identificationofinterventionoptionsanddetailedac
tion plans for member countries of the region, and a
strategytocoordinateandpromotetheregionalWO
CATASOCON networking and collaboration for Sus
tainableLandManagement(SLM).

Natural vegetative strip (NVS) This is a very popular

SWC technology being practiced by farmers in Claveria,
Misamis Oriental and in Lantapan, Bukidnon. Its high
adoptionratecouldbeattributedtolowcost,yetprovid
ingadditionalbenefits(asanimalfeed).Astripofnatural
grassisleftunplowedatregularintervalswhichisavery
effectivewayofcontrollingrunoffandsoilerosion.
LandcareisanapproachemployedinClaveria,Misamis
Oriental for the rapid adoption of natural vegetative
strip.Farmersineveryvillageareorganizedintofarmers
association. The association takes care of the needs of
the farmers (training, etc) in the implementation of the
technology.TheLGUofClaveria,MisamisOrientalissup
portiveoftheLandcare.

The Coordination Unit (CU) from Jakarta, Indonesia

wastransferredtoManila,PhilippineswiththeBSWM
as the host agency. As an initial action, management
ofASOCONwebsitewastransferredfromIndonesias
MinistryofForestrytotheBSWM.

Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) SWIP is de

scribednotonlyasanirrigationfacility,butmoreimpor
tantly, as a soil and water conservation structure. It is
particularlyveryhelpfulespeciallyduringElNioyears.

18

DA-BSWM Establishes New Trichoderma

Laboratory in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental;
Two-Day Training Follows

TheBanaybanayTrichoLabisthefirstTrichoLabinthe
ProvinceofDavaoOrientalandfifthintheRegionXI.Itis
located in Barangay San Vicente and will be headed by
its Municipal Agriculturist Esther M. Solamo and Mr.
Antolin Porlares as the OfficerInCharge in mass
production of Trichoderma harzianum for rapid
composting of agricultural wastes and quick production
oforganicfertilizer.

HandsonTraining

To ensure smooth operation and management of the

newlyestablishedTrichodermaProductionLaboratory,a
twoday handson training was conducted after the
inauguration.

The handson training aimed to equip participants with

the basic knowledge, attitude and skills for the
production, handling and proper use of Trichoderma
harzianum. It also provided the participants with basic
information on proper utilization and maintenance of
laboratory equipment, different supplies and materials,
and helped them prepare an action plan for enhancing
theiroperationsandproduction.

Ms. Aurora M. Manalang, Resource Speaker/Trainor

from the Laboratory Services Division spearheaded the
training together with Ms. Josephine Nana and Reycel
Dequilla.

By: Engr Bony P. Dela Cruz

he Bureau of Soils and Water Management

(BSWM)togetherwiththeDepartmentAgriculture
Regional Field Unit 11 (DARFU 11) and the Banayba
nayLocalGovernmentUnithaveinauguratedthenewly
constructed Trichoderma Laboratory (Tricho Lab) last
October8,2012.

The event started with the blessing and cutting of the

ribbonoftheTrichoLabfollowedbytheturnovercere
monyheldattheBanaybanayGymnasium.Ithighlighted
the turnover of EMRC fund support amounting to
P4,947,000.00.

TheestablishmentofTrichoLabinBanaybanaydoesnot
onlymeananewbuildingbutalsomarkstheexpansion
oftheproductionofTrichodermaanditsuseparticularly
to the farmer beneficiaries of EMRC project. It is in
tendednotonlytothefarmersofBanaybanaybuttothe
wholeProvinceofDavaoOriental.Asoneofthemunici
palities with the largest EMRC production areas in Re
gion XI, Banaybanay requires 8,000 packets of Tricho
derma for the 400 hectare coverage slot on EMRC by
next cropping season of CY 2012. Hence, this will be a
great help to the farmerbeneficiaries for they can now
availTrichodermawithintheirMunicipality.

During the turnover ceremony, Mayor Atty. Pedro T.

Mejos expressed his heartfelt thanks and gratitude to
the BSWM for putting up the Tricho Laboratory and
EMRC projects in his Municipality. He assured that the
Local Government Unit of Banaybanay will extend a
helping hand with their collaborating agencies in order
to achieve the goals and objectives of their Tricho Lab
andEMRCProject.Ontheotherhand,Engr.BonyP.Dela
Cruz, the SWAC for Region XI, stressed the vision and
importance of the EMRC Program and urged recipients
to commit themselves in these endeavors to ensure its
successfulimplementation.

OtherguestswhogracedthesaidoccasionwereProvin
cial Agriculturist Reynaldo L. Curammeng; DARFU XI
EMRC/OFPPFocalPerson,Ms.EvelynMalubay;andrep
resentativesfromtheBureauofPlantIndustry(BPI)and
OfficeoftheGovernor.

Awarding/TurnOverofCertificatetotheLGUofBanaybanay;Mayor
Pedro Mejos as he delivers his acceptance message ; PA Reymundo
Curammenginhisclosingremarks;andtheaudienceduringtheturn
over ceremony; Ribbon Cutting at the Tricho Lab; The Inoculating
Room.

19

BSWMChristmas2012PhotoGallery

OctoberDecember2012,Vol.3No.4

Editor-in-Chief:
Aurora M. Manalang
Associate Editor:
Ginalyn S. Rivera
Advisers:
Rodelio B. Carating
Asst. Dir. Wilfredo E. Cabezon
Director Silvino Q. Tejada, CESO III

BUREAU OF SOILS AND WATER MANAGEMENT

Soils Research Development Center
Elliptical Road corner Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City

20