By Chris V. PanganibanInquirer Mindanao Bureau
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Rep. Adolph Edward Plaza of Agusan del Sur’s second district is pushing for a nationwide soil strategy anchored on state universities and colleges (SUCs), seeking to strengthen soil testing, research, and science-based recommendations that can help farmers improve productivity and adapt to changing agricultural challenges.
Plaza brought together agriculture officials, scientists, and academic leaders at the Batasang Pambansa complex on Tuesday to explore a collaborative framework that would link government agencies and SUCs in developing a national soil research and extension network.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and state universities and colleges offering agriculture programs.
“At last!” Plaza said following the discussion, which he facilitated as part of efforts to establish a SUC-led national soil strategy.
The initiative seeks to maximize the role of universities in generating soil data, conducting research, and translating scientific findings into practical recommendations that farmers can apply in their fields.
Plaza said SUCs are strategically positioned to lead this effort because they already have agriculture programs, researchers, laboratories, and extension services that can connect science with farming communities.
“Farmers need to understand the condition of their soil so they can make better decisions on crop production, soil management, and sustainable farming practices,” Plaza said.
He said a stronger national soil program could help improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and provide farmers with science-based solutions suited to local conditions.
The push for a national soil strategy builds on Plaza’s years of advocacy for science-driven agriculture in Agusan del Sur.
During the first commencement exercises of the Agusan del Sur State University (ADSSU) in Bunawan on Aug. 14, Plaza emphasized the importance of soil science, sustainable farming, and agricultural education in preparing the next generation of agriculture professionals.
As guest of honor and commencement speaker, Plaza told ADSSU’s pioneer graduates that the future of agriculture depends on understanding the foundation where food grows — the soil.
He described soil as more than land beneath people’s feet, saying it serves as the foundation of food production, livelihood, resilience, and hope for communities across Agusan del Sur.
Plaza, who received an honorary Doctor of Agriculture (honoris causa) degree from ADSSU during the ceremony, said the recognition represented not only an individual achievement but the collective efforts of those working to advance agriculture and education in the province.
The award also highlighted his previous initiative as governor of Agusan del Sur, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art soil laboratory that later became part of the Provincial Research Development and Innovation Office.
The facility was established to provide scientific support for farmers and strengthen agricultural research and innovation in the province.
The proposed national soil strategy complements the expanded mandate of ADSSU, which evolved from the former Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) into a state university with a stronger focus on higher education, research, and agricultural development.
Plaza said universities must go beyond producing graduates and become active partners in solving real-world challenges faced by farming communities.
The meeting with agriculture agencies and academic institutions follows earlier efforts to bring together science and research organizations to develop technology-based solutions for agriculture.
By creating stronger links among government agencies, research institutions, and universities, Plaza said the country can develop a more coordinated approach to understanding soil conditions and improving farm productivity.
For Agusan del Sur, he said the goal is to transform scientific knowledge into practical solutions that will benefit farmers, strengthen communities, and secure the future of agriculture for the next generation.
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