SAN AGUSTIN PILI CAMARINES SUR. More than 100 farmer leaders and members of various  Cooperatives, and Farmers Association  from Camarines Sur  attended an orientation on Balanced Fertilization Strategy Program held at the DA-5 compound, this municipality ,on May 16, 2022. The orientation  which aims  to introduce  alternative methods on fertilization and to achieve the DA’s battlecry for “Masaganang ani at Mataas na Kita,”   was facilitated by the Department of Agriculture Bicol  in collaboration with the Fertilizer  Pesticide Authority. The activity was one of the highlights of the two day Agri-Fiesta and  the week-long celebration of the feast of St. Isidore, the patron saint of farmers and the DA-Bicol.

According to Regional Technical Director for Operation Luz Marcelino, the orientation  is imperative to inform the farmers on other options aside from using synthetic fertilizer. “ kailangan natin ma package ang teknolohiya sa farmers field  to reduce cost of production and  continue our noble objective in feeding the Filipinos,” she added.

The Importance of soil sampling analysis  and  fertilizer recommendation were also discussed by Jennis Reblando and Ailene Babilonia , both  Agriculturist II of the Regional Soils Laboratory. They emphasized the importance of soil analysis using Soil Testing Kit (STK) for fertilizer recommendation,  including its  method of application and measurement. , “Kailangan natin magpasuri ng lupa para malaman kung anong klaseng pataba ang kailangan at kung gaano karami ang dapat ilagay ,”Babilonia added.

Engr, Cristopher Nunez , Provincial Officer, FPA  Cam Sur II & Catanduanes  presented the Balanced Fetilization Strategy (PFS) Program : Its FPA commitment  on One DA approach. Selected Fertilizer distributors/dealers were also invited to recommend  their  registered products and  present its methods of application . (B. Nunez; photos:  Emil Pasumbal, Zandra Abogado, HA Privaldos)