Soil testing services are now being brought directly to farms in Palawan after Governor Amy Alvarez led the inauguration of a Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL) from the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management on March 18.
The blessing ceremony was held at the provincial capitol and attended by several provincial officials, including Board Members Aris Arzaga and Rafael Ortega, along with Capitol staff.
The mobile laboratory aims to deliver on-site soil testing and diagnostic services to farming communities, allowing immediate recommendations based on actual soil conditions.
“Through this program of [DA] we are actually changing the situation, tayo na po ang lalapit sa field, makakapag-conduct na tayo ng testing, and through this, makakapag-recommend narin tayo ng fertilizers sa mga farmers [at the right time and right amount] na siyang malaking tulong sa ating mga magsasaka dito sa Palawan,” said Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulation Ma. Theresa S. Aguilar.
Governor Alvarez expressed gratitude to the national government for providing the facility, highlighting its impact on the province’s agriculture sector.
“We are very thankful to the Bureau of Soils and Water Management for this initiative and for the support extended to the Province of Palawan. Malaking tulong talaga ito sa ating communities, especially to our farmers,” she said.
The 10-wheeler Mobile Soil Laboratory is equipped for on-site testing of chemical, physical, and microbiological soil properties, as well as water quality assessment.
Officials said the initiative is expected to improve farmers’ access to scientific services, support proper fertilizer use, and strengthen sustainable agricultural productivity in Palawan.
