Start of Classes for the First Semester, A.Y. 2026-2027
July 9, 2026
USM, KWF Pinasimulan ang Bahay Wika at Ortograpiya ng Mënubù Dulángan
July 13, 2026
COLUMBIO, SULTAN KUDARAT—From initially focusing on biodiversity protection and preservation, the University of Southern Mindanao’s (USM) BIOnihan Para sa Kalikasan extension project is expanding its reach to promote organic farming, as a microbiology expert trained Columbio farmers on biofertilizer production and application.
Held on July 9–10, 2026, at the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) Columbio compound, the training forms part of Component 1 of BIOnihan Para sa Kalikasan Phase IV: Harmonizing Biodiversity Utilization and Sustainable Agricultural Practices, led by Project Leader Dr. Florence Roy P. Salvaña and Component 1 Leader Dr. Maria Elena N. Tanabe.
The participants were welcomed by Mr. Lauro V. Domondon, Jr., MENRO Columbio Officer, and Municipal Mayor Hon. Amirh M. Musali. In his message, Mr. Domondon emphasized the balance between development and conservation: “Magandang umaga sa ating lahat at welcome sa isang napakahalagang training ngayong araw. Gusto ko lamang pong sabihin na pwede namang pagsabayin ang progress at preservation sa pamamagitan ng organic farming. Hindi man madali ang pag-adopt nito, ipakita sana natin na nagkakaisa tayo, ang LGU, USM, at mga farmers para i-rehabilitate ang ating lupa para sa mas sustainable pang future.”
This message was supported by Mayor Musali, who shared: “Maraming salamat sa inyong pagdalo sa ating activity. Sa totoo lang, ang pagtangkilik ng organic farming ay nakasalalay din sa amin, kaya ako mismo ginagawa ko ito sa pamamagitan ng backyard gardening. Sabay-sabay tayong matuto ng dalawang araw sa paggawa ng mga biofertilizers.”
The training officially started with a pre-test survey to gauge the participants’ baseline knowledge of biofertilizers and organic farming. This was followed by a comprehensive lecture session featuring Dr. Tanabe, a USM microbiology expert. From preparation to application processes, Dr. Tanabe detailed the specific ingredients, exact measurements, and storage requirements. The topics were further supported by research findings and relevant legislation to solidify the adoption of sustainable farming methods.
On the second day, the participants proceeded to the actual production process through a hands-on demonstration. Utilizing ingredients available in the local area, the participants formulated various biofertilizers, including Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO), Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ), Fish Amino Acid (FAA), and Oriental Herbal Nutrients (OHN). A post-test survey was later facilitated to assess the increase in the participants’ knowledge.
The two-day training concluded with a tour of the local Solid Waste Management Area, where MENRO showcased its organic waste grinder and vermicomposting site through an educational walkthrough.
Gathering 35 participants from the Columbio Cacao and Coffee Growers Association (CCCGA), Columbio Vegetable Farmers Pre-Pack Association (CVFPPA), Columbio Multi-sectoral Ecology Movement (CMEM), MENRO Bantay Kalikasan, and the Youth for Environment in Schools-Organization (YES-O), the training successfully enhanced local capacity for biofertilizer production and application.
“Napakarami kong natutunan sa dalawang araw na training, mula sa pag-produce ng concoctions hanggang sa kung papaanong ang lahat ng ito ay makakatulong sa pangangalaga ng ating mga lupa,” participant Lani Meligrito expressed.
The training was attended by Project Leader Dr. Florence Roy P. Salvaña, alongside Component Leaders Dr. Tanabe, Dr. Cherie C. Mangaoang, and Dr. Bryan Lloyd P. Bretaña. The team also included Mr. Jimwell P. Pande, Ms. Vanessa B. Baliguian, Mr. Ralph Francis Yabut, and microbiology interns who facilitated the documentation and implementation of the activities.
With Component 1 successfully completed, BIOnihan Para sa Kalikasan Phase IV: Harmonizing Biodiversity Utilization and Sustainable Agricultural Practices is set to move forward to Component 2, which will focus on soil preparation and biofertilizer utilization. The successful rollout of the training in Columbio strengthens USM’s commitment to advancing sustainable farming practices that protect environmental health, aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
