To ensure our local farmers achieve better yields and healthier crops, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM), in coordination with the Office of the City Agriculturist headed by City Agriculturist Argay B. Ramirez, conducted a Mobile Soil Laboratory Caravan and Capacity Enhancement Training on April 27–28, 2026.
The two-day intensive session, held at the 2F ICT Building, provided 100 rice, corn, and vegetable farmers with the technical knowledge and tools needed to manage soil health scientifically. The training focused on three vital topics:
• Proper Soil Sample Collection – Ensuring data starts with accurate field samples.
• Proper Use of Soil Test Kits – Providing farmers with immediate, on-site soil analysis.
• Fertilizer Recommendations via the FerRight (Fertilize Right) Application – Using digital solutions to determine the exact nutrients needed for specific crops.
By providing accessible, available, and accurate solutions to soil health, this initiative helps our farmers reduce costs and increase productivity, staying true to the vision of “Masagang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya.”
We would like to extend our gratitude to the expert team from DA-BSWM for sharing their expertise with our Irigueño farmers:
• Giorgia E. Aldea – Chemist / Science Research Specialist I
• Justin Iver L. Belmes – Chemical Technician / Science Research Specialist I
• Honeylyn C. Punzalan – Agriculturist / Science Research Specialist I
• Sami P. Tacalan – Biologist / Science Research Specialist I
• Pedro Tayag – Administrative Assistant V
Through programs like this, we continue to cultivate a more resilient and tech-driven agricultural sector for a stronger Iriga!
Source: Lungsod Ng Iriga