By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN, SR.
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur – Top officials and lawmakers of Agusan del Sur recently immersed themselves in advanced soil health research in Brisbane, Australia, underscoring their commitment to strengthening agricultural programs and legislation through global best practices.
The delegation was led by Representatives Adolph Edward Plaza and Alfel Bascug and Vice Governor Patricia Anne Plaza, joined by the entire Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and regional directors of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
At Griffith University’s School of Environment and Science, the Philippine group was welcomed by Prof. Neil Menzies, Pro Vice Chancellor (Sciences). The program was facilitated by Prof. Chengrong Chen, supported by his research fellows and PhD candidates, including Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) Associate Professor Richie Lador.
The lawmakers engaged in lectures and discussions on soil ecosystem functions, carbon dynamics, organic waste recycling, and the rising problem of microplastics in agriculture.
Under the guidance of Dr. Bruce Lan, they toured Griffith’s soil and environmental chemistry laboratories, benchmarking methods that could complement the operations of Agusan del Sur’s own laboratory.
Prof. Chen also presented Griffith’s active collaborations in the Philippines, including partnerships with DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research ASSCAT, and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). He stressed how scientific linkages can translate into tangible benefits for Filipino farmers.
The delegation also attended a comprehensive lecture and laboratory tour at the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability of the University of Queensland (UQ).
They were received and briefed by Prof. Peter Kopittke, an authority in Innovation in Soil Science, and Dr. Brigid McKenna, who led them through UQ’s Analytical Services Unit, Soil Science laboratories, and the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis.
A highlight of the UQ visit was the rare access to the Plant Futures Facility, one of the world’s leading research hubs for plant science and sustainable ecosystems. The facility hosts state-of-the-art controlled environment rooms capable of replicating diverse climate and natural conditions to simulate future agricultural challenges.
The immersion concluded with a dialogue led by Prof. David Ascher, Deputy Dean on Research Partnerships, who explored potential collaborations between UQ and Agusan del Sur, particularly for joint research and training programs involving local agriculture students and researchers.
The Australian immersion comes months after the opening of Agusan del Sur’s state-of-the-art Soil Research and Analytical Laboratory at the Provincial Research, Development, and Innovation Office, located at the capitol complex in Prosperidad. Opened in June this year, the laboratory provides farmers with science-based guidance for precise nutrient management and improved yields.
Rep. Plaza said the visits to Griffith and UQ will strengthen his Soil Health Fertilization Program, a flagship initiative designed to help farmers transition away from dependence on commercial fertilizers toward more sustainable, soil-based nutrient management.
“Our soil laboratory is already operational, but experiences like this help us align with global standards,” Plaza said. “What we learned in Australia will allow us to craft policies and programs that ensure farmers in Agusan del Sur get the full benefit of science-driven agriculture.”
SP members also affirmed that the learnings will guide the passage of local laws institutionalizing soil testing, promoting sustainable fertilization, and supporting organic waste recycling—key measures to align the province’s agricultural agenda with long-term food security and climate resilience.
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