USM Participates in Soil Health Framework and Roadmap Development by House of Representatives

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) was invited to participate in the national workshop titled “Charting a Science-Based Roadmap to Soil Health: A Multi-Stakeholder Workshop to Co-design the Theory of Change, Results Framework, and Roadmap for Philippine Agricultural Provinces,” with selected USM representatives serving as predetermined participants for the activity. The workshop was held on June 23–24, 2026 at the Romualdez Hall, South Wing Annex, House of Representatives, Quezon City. The activity brought together representatives from government agencies, academic and research institutions, legislators, local government units, international partners, and other key stakeholders to collaboratively develop a science-based roadmap for improving soil health and promoting sustainable agriculture in the Philippines.

Representing USM were Dr. Joeseph S. Quisado, Associate Professor specializing in Entomology, Insect Ecology, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and Mr. Rezin G. Cabantug, Science Research Specialist. The workshop strengthened participants’ understanding of global and local approaches to soil health management by examining international experiences in soil strategy development, assessing the current soil health landscape in the Philippines, and introducing the Provincial Readiness Framework as a guide for implementing soil health initiatives. During the workshop, issues and solutions related to soil health were discussed with the aim of developing long-term roadmap for a Philippine national soil health strategy.

This initiative opened with messages from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST–PCAARRD) Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Dr. Johnvie Jorolan, Research Program Manager for Soil and Land Management at Griffith University, Australia, and Hon. Adolph Edward “Eddiebong” Plaza, Chairperson of the House Committee on Science and Technology and Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Food. Sessions were introduced by Dr. James Quilty with co-facilitation by Dr. Ricky Lozari, while experts from DOST–PCAARRD, the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, and other partner institutions shared insights on the country’s current soil health landscape, international best practices, and science-based approaches to sustainable soil management. The discussions emphasized the importance of integrating scientific research, sound governance, enabling policies, adequate financing, and active farmer participation in developing long-term strategies to improve soil health, strengthen climate resilience, and enhance agricultural productivity across Philippine provinces.

Through its participation in this national initiative, USM continues to strengthen its commitment to research, extension, and innovation in advancing sustainable agriculture and food security in the Philippines.