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BATAAN, Philippines – The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) actively participated in the Inception Meeting of Project SLaM 2023/146, held at the Bataan Tourism Pavillion, Balanga City, Bataan on March 24–26, 2025. This meeting, which gathered key stakeholders and partner institutions, marked the official launch of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)-funded project, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and provincial local government units (PLGUs).
Addressing pressing problems of environmental degradation and food security, the project aimed to enhance soil management and agricultural sustainability in the Philippines. This project addresses research gaps identified in previous ACIAR-funded initiatives and is now led by Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT). The Project SLaM 2023/146 initiative aims to develop knowledge, an information system, and capacity to increase productivity, sustainability, and resilience of key cropping systems through improved soil management and health in the Philippines. The project also aims to build the foundations for a National Soil Strategy that supports the government, farmers, and other stakeholders in managing soil as a national asset for sustainable agricultural production.
Representing USM was Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, USM President. He was accompanied by Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension, Dr. Ardniel A. Baladjay, USM project component leader, Rovilene R. Pal-ewen, and incoming Finance and Management Services Director, Dr. Jay-R G. Vildac. Dr. Adeflor G. Garcia and Dr. Purificacion O. Cahatian who were instrumental in USM’s involvement in the series of ACIAR-funded projects. Dr. Pimentel expressed his commitment to the project during the Words of Commitment session, affirming the university’s role as a key collaborating institution. He commended the contributions of Dr. Garcia and Dr. Cahatian in the project and pledged the continuing support of the University to the project’s endeavors.
Dr. Baladjay presented the university’s research initiative titled “Assessment of the Existing Knowledge on Soil Health in Different Farming Systems for the Capacity Building Needs and Policy Support in the Philippines” on March 26, 2025. The study seeks to evaluate current soil health knowledge among farmers and stakeholders, identify gaps in sustainable farming practices, and provide recommendations for policy development and capacity-building programs.
The meeting commenced with a welcome address by Hon. Jose Enrique S. Garcia III, Governor of Bataan, followed by an overview of Project SLaM 2023/146 presented by Prof. Chengrong Chen, the project leader from Griffith University. Expressions of commitment were also delivered by Dr. Joy C. Capistrano, ASSCAT President, Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. (online), Mariano Marcos State University President. The project has also gained support of congress, as voiced out by Hon. Adolph Edward G. Plaza, 2nd district representative of Agusan del Sur, Hon. Maria Angela S. Garcia, 3rd district representative of Bataan, Hon. Alfelito M. Bascug, 1st district representative of Agusan del Sur, and Hon. Christian Tell A. Yap, 2nd district representative of Tarlac. Governors likewise showed their strong support, as the event featured words from Governors Hon. Santiago B. Cane, Jr. (Agusan del Sur), Hon. Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc (Ilocos Norte), Hon. Susan A. Yap (Tarlac) and Hon. Jose Enrique S. Garcia III (Bataan).
The final word of commitment was expressed by the host governor, Hon. Garcia III of Bataan who said that just like eight provinces fought for the Philippines against foreign rule, it is now time for the four provinces (involved in this project) to fight for soil health in our country.
The inception meeting featured presentations of various research projects under Project SLaM 2023/146, including initiatives on soil fertility management, soil information systems, and yield-calibrated soil health indices for rubber and rice-based cropping systems. USM’s research focuses on assessing the knowledge and practices of farmers regarding soil health, a crucial aspect in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Philippine agriculture.
Following the presentation, an open forum provided an opportunity for discussions among researchers, policymakers, and agricultural officers, fostering collaboration to address soil health challenges.
With USM’s active participation, the university reinforces its commitment to agricultural innovation and strengthening local and national efforts in soil health management.
