Senator Kiko Pangilinan plans to push for a larger agriculture budget to ensure funding for a nationwide soil-testing program that supports farmers in improving crop yields, reducing input costs, and strengthening the country’s long-term food security.
Pangilinan delivered a keynote address at the World Soil Day Forum at the Gov. D.O. Plaza, Govt Center, in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
In his speech, the veteran legislator emphasized that scientific, data-driven soil analysis is essential to guide farmers in applying the correct type and amount of fertilizer, ensuring more efficient use of resources and preventing long-term soil degradation.
“Kaya in the next 24 months, we have to push for bigger appropriation sa ating agriculture.”
“Kaya in the next 24 months, we have to push for bigger appropriation sa ating agriculture, sa ating fisheries, dahil ‘yan ang susi para gumanda ang supply ng pagkain sa ating bansa, bumaba na ang presyo ng pagkain, maging abot kamay na ang pagkain para sa lahat,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
He is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform.
The senator explained the importance of soil testing and information systems as one of the agricultural sector’s basic needs to ensure data-driven and science-backed farming methods.
“‘Yung data, dapat ilalagay sa isang digital platform of Philippine soil information, which in turn will deliver tailored advice faster.”
“These tools diagnose, as many of you are familiar, soil health for acidity, pH, nutrients, microbes,” Pangilinan said. “Tapos ‘yung data, dapat ilalagay sa isang digital platform of Philippine soil information, which in turn will deliver tailored advice faster. Mahalaga talaga kasi lahat nag-uumpisa sa lupa.”
Calling Agusan del Sur 2nd District Representative Eddiebong Plaza the country’s Soil Health Champion, Pangilinan commended him for leading and initiating the first coordination meeting for the National Soil Strategy and for representing the country in the launch of the Australia-Philippine Development Partnership Plan 2024-2029.
In his visit to Agusan del Sur, Pangilinan joined a soil laboratory tour and visited the Provincial Research Development and Innovation Office, the USAD Farm – Agricultural Resource Center, the Rubber Nursery, and the Agricultural Resource Center.
The senator was also with Plaza, Representatives Alfelito Bascug of Agusan del Sur 1st District and Angela Garcia of Bataan 3rd District, Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr., and Vice Governor Patricia Plaza.
Officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly, World Soil Day has been observed every December 5 since 2013 to raise awareness about the importance of healthy soil and advocate for sustainable soil management.
It aims to underscore the role of soil in food security, ecosystems, and human well-being, as well as promote activities to address threats to soil health.
