Bayani Philippines (2025)

19/07/2025

A farmer attends to their to***co plants in Alabel, Sarangani. MindaNews file photo by B**G S. SARMIENTO

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 19 July) – With more Mindanao farmers realizing the lucrative potentials of to***co cultivation, the volume of the cash crop produced in the southern Philippines grew by almost double last year from the previous year.

Data obtained by MindaNews from the National To***co Administration (NTA) showed that the volume of to***co produced in Mindanao in 2024 reached 9.7 million kilograms (kg) from 5.4 million kg in 2023, an increase of 44 percent.

For both years, Misamis Oriental was the top to***co-producing province in Mindanao with a volume of 4.3 million kg and 7.7 million kg in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

In 2024, Maguindanao del Sur produced 1.4 million kg of the non-food commodity, a significant increase of about 62 percent from the 550,534.31 kg produced the previous year.

The other major to***co-producing provinces in Mindanao are Zamboanga Sibugay, North Cotabato, Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte, NTA said.

Mindanao, the second largest island-grouping in the Philippines after Luzon, has 28 provinces grouped into six regions.

The main to***co cultivated in Mindanao is “batek,” a native variety. It can be harvested after three to four months on optimal growing conditions.

“More Mindanao farmers are planting to***co, and with the growing hectares planted to the crop, the yield in the island grew last year,” Ma. Mercedes Ayco, NTA Mindanao Outreach Office head, said in a phone interview in Cebuano.

“To***co is a viable crop to grow in Mindanao that can provide better income for farmers,” she added.

Based on NTA data, there were 4,630 farmers tilling 2,963.59 hectares of to***co in Mindanao in 2023.

In 2024, the area planted with Batek to***co expanded to 4,414.74 hectares involving 8,129 farmers, it added.

Ayco noted that the markets for native to***co are mostly domestic with “far and few in between from foreign buyers.”

The leaves are either bought and sold as tresbe, which is shredded and rolled in paper or lomboy (java plum) leaf to be smoked, and for chewing (mama) by those who patronized them.

Ayco said they expect more Mindanao farmers to plant to***co in the coming years with its lucrative cash potentials, pointing out that the best price nowadays for a top quality harvest fetches P700 per kilo in Misamis Oriental.

In his 60s, Agapito Layan Sr., a to***co farmer in Alabel, Sarangani, attested that the crop enabled him and his wife to raise seven children and send them to high school. They now have their own families.

“The income from to***co farming is way better than corn farming. I raised my family mostly from to***co farming,” Layan told this reporter in 2023 in his half-hectare farm.

On a good harvest, Layan revealed that he could earn then P150,000 from to***co, which, according to him, is three times the net income from corn.

For the first-class or those in the upper part of the to***co plant, a bunch of 100 leaves is bought by their buyer at P600, he said.

Layan plants to***co once a year and after harvest, would either plant corn or vegetables to complete the annual farming cycle.

Corn, which can be harvested after four months, is capital intensive in terms of the inputs, the reason why Layan stuck to to***co farming in the past four decades, according to him.

Ayco said that they have not fully documented the to***co farmers in Sarangani province due to their “limited manpower.”

Belinda Sanchez, NTA administrator, also encouraged Mindanao farmers to cultivate to***co due to its lucrative cash potentials.

“The more income the farmers earn, (the more it) will boost their purchasing power to buy their foods and other basic needs in their household,” she said in a statement.

In January last year, the NTA launched the five-year Sustainable To***co Enhancement Program (STEP) during the first Mindanao To***co Industry Summit in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental.

Under the STEP, the NTA aims to improve Mindanao’s to***co industry by closely working with the local government units to strengthen and expand the existing to***co areas, aiming for the sustainability of the industry in the island.

STEP includes the implementation of projects such as irrigation and water management, provision of farm machinery, value-added processing and marketing assistance, credit and financing, training and capacity building for to***co farmers as part of Mindanao’s to***co industry development plan.

Sanchez said that to***co is the only cash crop in the country that has approved floor prices and remains a steady source of income for thousands of Filipino families, providing livelihood opportunities and supporting rural economies.

Currently, about 2.2 million Filipinos are financially dependent on to***co, including at least 430,000 farmers, farm workers, and their family members, NTA data showed. (B**g S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

A farmer attends to their to***co plants in Alabel, Sarangani. MindaNews file photo by B**G S. SARMIENTO DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 19 July)...

19/07/2025

Children enjoy riding push bikes in Koronadal City on Saturday, 19 July 2025. Instead of pedaling, the riders power the bikes with their feet. MindaNews photo by B**G S. SARMIENTO

Children enjoy riding push bikes in Koronadal City on Saturday, 19 July 2025. Instead of pedaling, the riders power the bikes with their fe...

18/07/2025

MOA for disaster preparedness and education projects in Davao del Sur. (seated, L-R) AboitizPower Transition Business Group Corporate Services Head Atty. Alona Suzell Ruyeras-Borromeo, Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital Chief Dr. Jaime Razo, Inawayan Brgy. Captain Danny Baquial, and Therma South Facility Head JP Pantino show a memorandum of agreement outlining CSR projects to be conducted by Therma South in Davao del Sur.

Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) subsidiary Therma South Inc. (TSI) formalized P8 million for disaster preparedness and education programs in Davao City and Davao del Sur.

In Inawayan, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, a portion of the amount will fund disaster risk reduction management tools and equipment, as well as training for disaster-related rescue operations. It also covers solar electrification projects for barangay offices in Inawayan and Binugao, Davao City.

Helping healthcare, livelihood, and disaster resilience projects in Agusan del Norte. (seated, L-R) AboitizPower Transition Business Group (TBG) Corporate Services Head Atty. Alona Suzell Ruyeras-Borromeo, Agusan del Norte Governor Angel Amante, Nasipit Mayor Roscoe Democrito Plaza, AboitizPower TBG Technical Director John Dean, and TMI M2 Plant Facility Head Jerome Luchavez formalize a public-private partnership of CSR projects for Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

Under an agreement with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), 20 high school students from Inawayan and Binugao will receive financial aid worth P7,300 each per year. Nineteen other residents will get full college scholarships, inclusive of a P25,000 allowance per semester.

“The impact of this project will be built for years to come, not only for this year but for the next generation. We are proud that our learners from Davao del Sur are part of it,” said DepEd District Supervisor of the South of Davao del Sur, Hazel Luna.

Meanwhile, Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) earmarked a total of P4 million to healthcare and outreach projects in its host communities in Maco, Davao de Oro and Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

Support for Maco’s physical therapy program signed. (front, L-R) AboitizPower Transition Business Group (TBG) Technical Director for Mindanao John Dean, Corporate Services Head Atty. Alona Suzell Ruyeras-Borromeo, Maco Mayor Arthur Carlos Voltaire Rimando, Vice Mayor Alvera Veronica Rimando, DepEd Schools Division Superintendent OIC Phoebe Gay Refamonte, AboitizPower TBG Reputation & Stakeholder Manager for Mindanao Chrisyl Garcia, and TMI Facility Head Benedicto Dejan, Jr. sign a MOA for CSR projects in Maco, Davao de Oro.

In Maco, TMI Mobile 1 allocated P1.8 million to bolster the Municipal Health Office’s physical therapy program. This includes the procurement of exercise equipment, as well as advanced electronic devices like rehabilitation robot gloves, neuromuscular electrical stimulation units, and a physiotherapy therapeutic ultrasound device.

“Some of these equipment target specific aspects of physical therapy that are not usually met with the current facilities available at our regional health unit,” explained Maco Municipal Health Office OIC Liezl Andoy. “With AboitizPower’s donation, our massage therapists may be able to cater to more patients since the treatment of each may be potentially shortened.”

In Nasipit, TMI Mobile 2 allotted P2.2 million in projects for healthcare, livelihood, and disaster resilience, which includes the acquisition of a thermocoagulator for Nasipit’s Regional Health Unit. A thermocoagulator is a medical device used to treat human tissue lesions, particularly in cases of cervical cancer.

In her speech, Agusan del Norte Governor Angel Amante commended the positive presence of AboitizPower in the area, citing revitalization of interest from other businesses and industries.

TSI owns and operates the 300-megawatt circulating fluidized bed coal-fired power plant located in Davao City and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Meanwhile, TMI owns and operates power barges in Maco, Davao de Oro, and Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, with a total installed capacity of 200 megawatts.

MOA for disaster preparedness and education projects in Davao del Sur. (seated, L-R) AboitizPower Transition Business Group Corporate Serv...

18/07/2025

CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 18 July) — At least six towns in Misamis Oriental have suspended their school classes as tropical cyclone “Crising” intensified into a tropical storm on Friday.

The municipal governments of Lagonglong, Salay, Magsaysay, Binuangan, Sugbongcogon and Talisayan, all in the province’s eastern side, issued orders to suspend classes just before the schools opened Friday morning

Talisayan Mayor Ciriaco Talines said he issued the order to suspend classes after noting gusty winds, continuous rains and dark cloud formations over their town.

Talinis said the weather condition poses significant risks to the residents, especially the school children.

In its advisory issued at 2pm Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (Pagasa) said heavy rainfall is expected in Zamboanga del Norte, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, and Sarangani.

Pagasa earlier issued a yellow alert for Misamis Oriental particularly the highland town of Claveria at 8pm Thursday.

In Zamboanga City, M/V Gains Haner, a passenger ship, floundered along the RT Lim Boulevard last Thursday, according to Shirley Nassal of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Floods, strong waves and uprooted trees spawned by “Crising” forced the evacuation of 220 families or 981 persons in 12 barangays in Zamboanga City, the City Social Welfare and Development Office said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that Sultan Kudarat province evacuated more than 1,000 families from the coastal town of Lebak on Thursday. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)

CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 18 July) — At least six towns in Misamis Oriental have suspended their school classes as tropical cyclone “Cris...

18/07/2025

Philippine National Police chief General Nicolas Torre III (left) and South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr chitchat during the 59th foundation anniversary and 26th T’nalak festival of South Cotabato on Friday, 18 July 2025. MindaNews photo by AMIEL CAGAYAN

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews / 18 July) – Philippine National Police chief General Nicolas Torre III called on the public “not to look for the police in the precincts,” but just dial 911 “as law enforcers will respond to their call within five minutes.”

Torre claimed that dialing 911 for police assistance will work “anywhere in the country.”

He appealed to the public to call 911 when in distress, emergency or reporting crimes to the police.

“To our fellow citizens, if you have a cell phone, call 911. Any town in the Philippines, call 911 and you will be connected,” Torre said, addressing it to people in emergency situations who need assistance from the police.

He stressed that the police “are now actively rolling our 5-minute response time strategy through 911,” a hotline designed “to provide swift and compassionate police presence, especially in times of emergency.”

Torre was here Friday as the keynote speaker for the 59th foundation anniversary and the 26th T’nalak festival of South Cotabato. He proudly admitted being a “son of South Cotabato.” He graduated in elementary and high school in this then municipality.

According to the national police honcho, there’s no need any more for citizens to memorize the cellphone numbers of their police stations, as 911 will connect callers to the station that they need assistance from.

“Just remember one number, 911, and somebody will answer you and will connect you to that station,” Torre said.

Whether you are residents of Koronadal, Banga, Tupi or Tantangan in South Cotabato, Lutayan in Sultan Kudarat, Malungon in Sarangani or Kidapawan in North Cotabato, call 911 and it will connect you to the needed station, he noted.

Torre said he is confident “the 911 system works.”

He narrated that three days ago, a call came from Panabo City, Davao del Norte while they were having a simulation exercise in Camp Crame, the headquarters of the national police.

Torre added that they monitored real time from the national command center the live police raid, following the call, that eventually led to the arrest of a suspect in possession of two guns and drugs.

In the past several weeks, police officers in this city have been conspicuously present in strategic places with their patrol cars, apparently in response to the directive of Torre for law enforcers to respond to crimes, untoward incidents or emergency assistance within five minutes.

Torre said that peace and development are not separate goals but that they are intertwined.

“Economic activities thrive when law and order are firmly in place,” he said.

Torre called on the cooperation of the public in maintaining peace and order, saying that law enforcement is a task that the PNP cannot carry alone.

He said that under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the PNP envisions “a Bagong Pilipinas where no community is left behind and where peace and development walk hand in hand.” (B**g S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

Philippine National Police chief General Nicolas Torre III (left) and South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr chitchat during the 59th found...

17/07/2025

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur (MindaNews / 17 July) — The search for three miners trapped in a gold mining tunnel in neighboring Rosario town has been officially halted on Tuesday as authorities confirmed the miners could no longer be rescued.

Mayor Jupiter Cervantes Abulog (wearing white shirt), of the municipality of Rosario in Agusan del Sur, confers with rescuers near the tunnel that collapsed in Barangay Bayugan III. Photo from the page of Mayor Abulog

The retrieval operation, which began on July 3, was declared no longer viable due to safety concerns.

Barangay captain Michael Rhay Hambala, who serves as the incident commander of the Bayugan III Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Council, told local media in an interview on Wednesday that the collapsed tunnel in Sitio Mahunok is completely unsafe for further efforts.

The tunnel, he said, was flooded with contaminated water, and the air within is now hazardous due to bacteria from the decomposing bodies.

In a meeting on Tuesday, teams from the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Council, local government units, and the Philsaga Mining Corp. Emergency Rescue Team concluded that the collapsed site should be sealed off entirely to prevent any future attempts to dig it out.

Of the four victims, only one body, that of Jeffrey Tabugon, 29, was recovered. His remains were laid to rest at the Barangay 3 public cemetery. The families of the remaining victims—Arnel Alvarado, 38; Richard Bustamante, 29; and John Mark Balagno, 28—were allowed to offer their prayers and pay their last respects.

Eutiquio Quimada, the team leader of the tunnel operation, shared that some workers had just exited the tunnel when they heard a loud burst of water, which they believed came from another abandoned tunnel.

He said the tunnel operation employed 26 workers: four are “abanteros” and the rest, “atraseros.” The former are the ones who dig into the tunnel, moving forward. The “atraseros,” on the other hand, carry the ore and the debris out. The four trapped were “abanteros,” Quimada said.

Rochelle Santos, the owner of the tunnel operation, promised compensation of P100,000 for each affected family. Additionally, each child from the victims’ families will receive one hectare of land planted with oil palm, ensuring their educational support.

The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office has provided each family with ₱15,000, with an additional ₱10,000 from the municipal government and another ₱10,000 from the Dumper Party List. (Chris V. Panganiban / MindaNews)

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur (MindaNews / 17 July) — The search for three miners trapped in a gold mining tunnel in neighboring Rosario tow...

16/07/2025

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 16 July) — Twelve days.

That’s how long the recent imposed war by the Zionist entity and the United States against the Islamic Republic of Iran has raged—twelve days of missiles and mayhem, but also of memes and manipulated media.

And even now, the fog of (mis)war lingers not only in the skies of West Asia but more insidiously in our social media timelines. Artificially generated images of explosions that never happened. Deepfake videos of leaders saying what they never said. And, most bizarrely, AI-cloned voices of well-known Islamic preachers—Mufti Menk included—allegedly singing praises for one side of the war. A reel of emotional manipulation, circulated by some with gleeful intent, and by others—perhaps the majority—in innocent, if not excitable, gullibility.

It’s a phenomenon not unfamiliar to the digital age. But for Muslims, it poses a deeper question:

How should one behave in the face of this avalanche of misinformation and disinformation?

The Qur’an is unequivocal:

“O you who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance and then regret what you have done.” (Qur’an 49:6)

This verse is not a casual reminder. It is a warning, a moral imperative. It tells us that even in times of heated conflict—especially in such times—we are not excused from the duty of tathabbut (verification).

The Islamic tradition (ḥadīth) has long institutionalized this value. The ‘ilm al-rijāl (science of narrators) and dirāyat al-ḥadīth (science of ḥadīth content analysis) were developed not just as academic exercises but as safeguards of truth. The former scrutinized the sanad—the chain of transmission—while the latter probed the matn, the content itself.

Yet the tradition also warned against blind reliance on sanad alone. Ibn Khaldūn, in his magnum opus Al-Muqaddimah, delivered a scathing critique of those who cling to narration without reason. Citing the oft-repeated tale that 250,000 Israelites marched with Moses across the sea, he questioned its plausibility. Could such a number emerge from the progeny of a single man, within five to six generations, while enduring Pharaoh’s campaign of male infanticide?

His verdict? Mere transmission is not enough. Reason must accompany revelation. Rational scrutiny must walk alongside spiritual belief.

Centuries later, Murtadā Muṭahharī echoed this concern in his book Training and Education in Islam. Reflecting on the tragic incident of Harrah—the pillaging of Madīnah by the Umayyad army—Muṭahharī recounts a disturbing story he had read: a soldier ra**ng a woman who had just delivered a child, and who claimed to have pledged allegiance to the Prophet at Bay‘at al-Riḍwān. He paused to ask: could a woman in her sixties, or even late sixties, give birth?

Here, he offers the reader an insight deeper than chronology: “For the ignorance of man, it is sufficient that he relays whatever he hears.” A ḥadīth with searing contemporary relevance.

In his treatise, Muṭahharī draws a line between jahl (ignorance) and the mere absence of knowledge. Jahl, he says, is not lack of information—it is the refusal to think, the suspension of reason, the bypassing of ‘aql. The ignorant is not always uninformed. Sometimes, he is just unreflective.

And in today’s world of viral content, retweets, and TikToks, jahl has found a megaphone.

So, what do we make of all this—the cloned voices, the dramatic AI-rendered warzone videos, the seductive blend of emotion and fabrication?

First, we must acknowledge the pull of our desires. As humans, it is natural to get excited when something appears to affirm our beliefs. We want our side to be righteous, victorious, even miraculously so. And yet, as Muslims, our allegiance is not merely to any “side” but to truth (ḥaqq). Truth, even when inconvenient. Truth, even when less viral.

Second, we must cultivate digital taqwā—God-consciousness online. Before forwarding a video, sharing an image, quoting a news snippet, ask: Is this verified? Is it rational? Is it fair?

Finally, we must revive the ethical disciplines of our own tradition: to examine BOTH the messenger and the message.

Indeed, in this age of deepfakes, what we need is deep faith—faith that demands reason, reflection, and responsibility.

Let us not become, as Ibn Khaldūn warned, collectors of chains without comprehension.

Let us not be, as Muṭahharī cautioned, narrators of nonsense clothed in the garb of religiosity.

In the end, it is not just our posts that are being weighed, but our principles.

[MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Mansoor L. Limba, PhD in International Relations and Shari‘ah Counselor-at-Law (SCL), is a publisher-writer, university professor, vlogger, chess trainer, and translator (from Persian into English and Filipino) with tens of written and translation works to his credit on such subjects as international politics, history, political philosophy, intra-faith and interfaith relations, cultural heritage, Islamic finance, jurisprudence (fiqh), theology (‘ilm al-kalam), Qur’anic sciences and exegesis (tafsir), hadith, ethics, and mysticism. He can be reached at [email protected] and www.youtube.com/, and his books can be purchased at www.elzistyle.com and www.amazon.com/author/mansoorlimba.]

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 16 July) — Twelve days. That’s how long the recent imposed war by the Zionist entity and the United States against...

16/07/2025

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 16 July) – A police officer is in hot water after he was arrested while in possession of alleged smuggled ci******es in Sultan Kudarat province, a police official said.

Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat. Map courtesy of Google

Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente, Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) director, identified the police officer only as alias “Letra,” 40, married.

The suspect is an active personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) assigned at the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) in Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur, Ardiente said.

The policeman was arrested along with an alias “Amir” in Barangay Tinumigues, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat around 1:45 a.m. on July 13 while transporting the alleged smuggled ci******es valued at ₱862,808.40.

The suspects were apprehended at a checkpoint along the national highway on board a Mitsubishi L300 utility vehicle driven by Amir, 45, married, and a resident of Barangay Libutan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur.

In a statement, Ardiente described the arrest of the suspects as “a significant anti-smuggling operation” in the region.

“This operation demonstrates our unrelenting commitment to curbing smuggling and upholding the integrity of our ranks,” the official said.

“We will not tolerate any involvement of our personnel in criminal activities, and we will ensure accountability under the law,” he added.

Ardiente commended the coordinated efforts of the operating units that led to the arrest of the suspects.

The team was composed of the 1st Sultan Kudarat PMFC, 1202nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12, and the Lambayong Municipal Police Station.

Seized from the suspects’ possession were 21 boxes of Cannon brand ci******es (1,050 reams) and 48 reams of Fort brand ci******es, all without legal documentation.

Further inspection led to the recovery of one G***k 17 pistol bearing serial number PNP19488, with a magazine loaded with 12 live ammunition, in the possession of the suspect police officer, Ardiente said.

The inventory and markings of all seized items were conducted at the checkpoint in the presence of the suspects and witnessed by a kagawad of Barangay Tinumigues.

These were brought to the Lambayong municipal police station for documentation and proper disposition.

The suspects would be facing violation of Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. (B**g S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 16 July) – A police officer is in hot water after he was arrested while in possession of alleged smuggled c...

15/07/2025

Laborers haul surplus clothes (more commonly known as ukay-ukay) in Uyanguren business district in Davao City on Tuesday (15 July 2025). MindaNews photo

Laborers haul surplus clothes (more commonly known as ukay-ukay) in Uyanguren business district in Davao City on Tuesday (15 July 2025). Mi...

15/07/2025

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur (MindaNews / 15 July) — Farmers in Agusan del Sur are now being equipped with valuable knowledge on soil health management in two separate three-day capacity development trainings for soil management and an orientation on a new technology the past two weeks.

Women farmers in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, read through their booklets at the start of a three-day training on soil health management on Tuesday (15 July 2025) at the municipal gymnasium. MindaNews photo by CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN

The first training was held in Bayugan City, from July 7 to 9, then in the municipality of San Francisco, from July 15-17.

Before sending soil samples to a cutting-edge laboratory at the provincial capitol, these farmers are learning the fundamental principles of soil health and analysis to ensure that their crops thrive.

The training, led by soil science experts from the Provincial Research Development and Innovation Office (PRDIO), is designed to modernize agricultural methods.

Held in several barangays in Bayugan City and San Francisco town, these sessions focus on uplifting farmers from traditional practices to more precise, soil-testing-based fertilization techniques.

Among the participants is 81-year-old Edelberta Tanjay from Barangay Verdu in Bayugan City, who has been growing corn since 1966 using traditional methods. “We’ve always applied the same techniques, but our yields have remained low,” she said. “This new soil analysis approach gives us hope for better harvests.”

Alma Avila, a barangay agricultural worker also in Verdu, shared her optimism as well. “The training isn’t just about knowing which fertilizers to use; it’s about understanding the health of our soil,” she said after completing the three-day course.

The training sessions include both theory and hands-on activities. On the second day in Bayugan City, participants learned how to interpret soil data using the Biochemistry Laboratory Information Management System (BLIMS), a tool developed by the Provincial Information Management Office.

Joikreza Balbon, who oversees BLIMS, highlighted its accuracy, explaining that it uses QR codes to provide precise coordinates of soil sample locations.

Experts Maiden Mark Trabado and Razel Paler led the “soil analysis and interpretation” module, teaching participants how to analyze and apply soil data effectively.

The event also featured a live field demonstration by Meljay Maghilom Bellebes and Jonathan Andaha, showing farmers how to collect soil samples for analysis and apply their new knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Over 60 farmers participated in the program, gaining both theoretical insights and practical skills that will help them improve land use and enhance crop yields. This initiative is set to make a significant impact, enabling farmers to adopt sustainable practices that promote long-term agricultural success.

Provincial leaders are hopeful that this new approach will significantly boost rice and corn production in the next cropping season.

Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. expressed confidence that the timely application of the right fertilizers, based on the soil laboratory’s results, would lead to increased productivity. “We are moving quickly to ensure farmers get the right fertilizers in the right quantity,” he said.

Rep. Adolph Edward Plaza, representing the province’s second district, emphasized the widespread benefits of the soil-test-based fertilization program.

He explained that it will eventually train all farmers in Agusan del Sur, starting with rice and corn farmers. To ensure accessibility, the training materials will be available in simple Cebuano language, making it easier for farmers to apply what they’ve learned.

Junnie Lighadan, a rice and corn farmer in Barangay Borbon, San Francisco, expressed hope for the future. “In our village, we’ve been using a haphazard approach to applying fertilizers,” he said. “But now, with the new techniques we’ve learned, we can apply fertilizers more accurately and expect better yields.”

Ester Golarte, a barangay agricultural worker in Lapinigan, San Francisco, is collaborating with technicians from the Municipal Agriculture Office to help farmers implement the QR code technology and mobile applications under the BLIMS program.

She anticipates an increase in production, aiming to surpass the average 100-110 sacks per hectare they currently achieve.

Lanlen Oraiz, another barangay agricultural worker in Borbon, noted that the new technology is long overdue. “We’ve been dealing with low yields of just 50-70 sacks per hectare,” she said. “We’re excited to use the new technology to improve our harvests finally.”

Plaza said the soil health management initiative is not only providing farmers with the tools to enhance their crops but is also setting the stage for a future of more sustainable and productive farming in Agusan del Sur.

With the right knowledge and technology, these farmers are ready to see a significant boost in their agricultural output in the seasons to come, he added. (Chris V. Panganiban / MindaNews)

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur (MindaNews / 15 July) — Farmers in Agusan del Sur are now being equipped with valuable knowledge on soil healt...

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