President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced plans to establish permanent soil laboratories in every region of the Philippines as part of the government’s initiative to enhance farmers’ productivity and improve agricultural yield.
During a dialogue with the 50th Gawad Saka Awardees at the Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija, Marcos emphasized the importance of understanding soil conditions to inform government interventions and support for farmers.
“Para naman pagandahin pa ang inyong produksyon, nagdala kami dito… ‘yung labing-anim na mobile soil laboratory. Bawat region, magbibigay tayo. Magtatagal sa isang lugar tapos iikot para mapag-aralan kung ano ang pangangailangan,” Marcos stated, referring to the introduction of 16 mobile soil laboratories that will be deployed across regions to assess agricultural needs.
He clarified that these mobile laboratories represent the first phase of a larger plan to establish permanent soil analysis facilities. “Pero pagkatapos nitong mobile laboratory, maggagawa tayo ng permanent. Gusto naming maglagay ng permanent soil laboratory sa bawat region. Kaya ito, Phase 1 pa lang ito, ika nga,” he added.
Marcos also expressed his gratitude and admiration for the Gawad Saka awardees, highlighting their contributions to national development and food security. “Maraming salamat sa inyong sakripisyo,” he said.
This year, a total of 43 individuals and institutions were honored under the Gawad Saka program, which is the Department of Agriculture’s highest recognition for excellence and innovation in the farming and fisheries sectors.