DA RFO 12 Regional Soils Laboratory

The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XII – Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL), through the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), provided technical support to Indigenous Peoples (IP) coffee farmers from Malungon, Sarangani Province and Senator Ninoy Aquino (SNA), Sultan Kudarat during the capacity-building activity held on May 11–13, 2026, at Venue 88, General Santos City.

As part of the activity, Elly Paul A. Tomas, RCh, Chemist IV, discussed Coffee Leaf Sampling, highlighting its importance in assessing the nutrient status of coffee plants and supporting science-based nutrient management.

Meanwhile, Reynan H. Dumaraog, Senior Agriculturist, discussed Soil Sampling and Analysis and facilitated the field demonstration, emphasizing proper soil sampling procedures and the value of laboratory analysis in guiding fertilizer recommendations and improving coffee productivity.

To strengthen the participants’ practical learning, hands-on activities were conducted at the DA-Tupi Research and Experiment Station in Bololmala, Tupi, South Cotabato, where the IP coffee farmers were guided on proper sampling techniques and related field practices.

Through its participation in the MIADP activity, the RSL reaffirmed its commitment to supporting field-based extension initiatives by bringing laboratory-based knowledge closer to farmers and helping promote sustainable coffee production in Region XII.

𝐑𝐒𝐋 𝐗𝐈𝐈 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨

The DA-RFO XII Regional Soils Laboratory, through its technical team and Mobile Soil Laboratory, provided support to the Provincial Government of South Cotabato in the conduct of soil sampling and soil analysis activities under the Consolidated Rice Production and Mechanization Program of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, headed by Raul D. Teves, DVM.

Held on May 4 and 7, 2026, the activity covered consolidated rice areas in Banga, Surallah, and Sto. Niño, South Cotabato, with the aim of promoting soil-test-based fertilizer recommendations for the 2026 wet cropping season.

Through this initiative, RSL XII continues to strengthen its role in bringing laboratory services closer to farmers, supporting site-specific nutrient management, and promoting more efficient and sustainable rice production in the region.

The Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL) participated in the Training Workshop on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) for Corn IP Farmers conducted by MIADP RPCO XII on April 21–23, 2026 at Ace Resto, Midsayap. The activity was organized to equip IP farmer-beneficiaries with agricultural skills geared toward enhanced productivity, improved organizational efficiency, and increased profitability, while upholding cultural and traditional protection and preservation.

As part of the activity, Elly Paul A. Tomas, RCh, Chemist IV, represented the RSL as resource speaker on Soil Sampling and Analysis for Corn, emphasizing the importance of proper soil sampling and laboratory analysis in guiding nutrient management and supporting better-informed farming decisions.

The three-day workshop covered key topics including corn production and the importance of soil analysis, pest and disease management, judicious use of pesticides, overview of PhilGAP certification, the Code of Good Agricultural Practice for Corn with emphasis on the four modules, guidelines and process flow, and a field practicum/farm visit on crop inspection. Through its participation, the RSL reaffirmed its support for field-based extension activities by sharing science-based knowledge that helps farmers improve productivity through proper soil management.

The Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL) of DA RFO XII, through the Regional Soils Laboratory, officially started its deployment on November 10, 2025 in Cotabato Province, bringing soil testing services closer to farmers and communities.

More than on-site soil testing, the MSL also provides technical assistance directly in the field. MSL staff train farmers on proper soil sample collection, conduct actual soil sampling, and perform tests that serve as basis for fertilizer recommendation and soil fertility mapping.

The MSL team is composed of two Chemical Technicians, two Agriculturists, and a Driver/Laboratory Aide, working together to deliver soil testing services and technical support to farmers. Through this initiative, farmers gain better access to science-based information that can help improve soil management and crop productivity.

Following its deployment in Cotabato Province, the Mobile Soil Laboratory is also set to reach the other provinces of Region XII, including South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani Province, expanding access to soil testing services and technical support for more farmers across the region.

Bringing science closer to the field, one soil sample at a time.