Harvest Festival: A Celebration of the Success of ABFS in Talibon, Bohol

Through the initiative of the Municipality of Talibon, Bohol, in partnership with the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM), the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) Harvest Festival in Region 7 showcased the success brought about by the efforts of Talibon, Bohol Farmers in recognizing the effects of ABFS on their crops production and soil fertility.

The Harvest Festival was held on March 21, 2024, at Brgy. San Roque, Talibon, Bohol. This also aimed to educate the farmers on the success of ABFS implementation in enhancing crop production while enhancing soil fertility.

Owners of the 67-hectare farm benefitting from the ABFS participated in Harvest Festival. These participants received knowledge on adaptive strategy for fertilizer application and various seeds and fertilizer interventions from 1^st cropping and 2^nd cropping.

Throughout the Festival, attendees witnessed firsthand the substantial outcomes of ABFS implementation. From increased crop yields to improved soil health, the results spoke volumes about the efficacy of the strategy. The Event also served as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in driving growth within the agricultural sector.

During the Harvest Festival, the Soil and Water Access Team (SWAT) Region 7 Focal and Bureau of Soils and Water Management-National Soil and Water Resources Research and Development Center for Hillyland Pedo-Ecological Zone (BSWM-NSWRRDC-HillPEZ) Center Chief Joven P. Espineli delivered, on behalf of the DA-BSWM Management headed by Director Gina P. Nilo and Assistant Director Denise A. Solano, the agency's plans for the conduct of another ABFS Project Implementation on the 2^nd cropping this 2024.

Furthermore, the DA-BSWM Senior Agriculturist Melody M. Orogo, Supervising Science Research Specialist Leolito Siase, Alternate Focal and Science Research Specialist II Engr. Wilfredo A. Gultiano, and Agriculturist II Chari Anne Maestre shared the Overview of the ABFS, ABFS Data Result, ABFS Activities, and Synthesis.

The Event was graced by esteemed Officials and Representatives, including DA-Regional Field Office 7 Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer, Roman Dabalos; Municipality of Talibon Municipality Administrator, Ma. Lirio Evangelista-Du; Provincial Office Rice Action Officer, Ma. Chona Malesa; SARISA IA Representative, Gregorio Auxtenio; Farmers Cooperative President, Edwin Cerensio, alongside the dedicated members and farmers of Brgy. San Roque, Talibon, Bohol.

The DA-BSWM ABFS Implementation Team Region 7 is also composed of Science Research Specialist I Marco T. Macopia, Project Development Officer II Shaun Adrian Villadiego, and Regional Science Research Assistant and Science Research Analyst Jhunrie C. Tejadillo and Cristita B. Castilliote.

Before the Harvest Festival, soil sampling and crop-cutting activities were conducted to gather essential data, serving as a valuable reference for future initiatives. These efforts underscored the commitment to evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement in agricultural practices.

The ABFS Harvest Festival not only celebrated the bountiful harvest of the Talibon, Bohol but also highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture and soil management practices for food secure and resilient Philippines.

#DA #BSWM #DABSWM #ABFS #BagongPilipinas #ParaSaMasaganangBagongPilpinas