The Mobile Soil Laboratory VIII officially commenced its second deployment on May 28, 2026, at the Municipal Gymnasium of Bontoc, Southern Leyte, bringing soil health services closer to farmers in the province.

The deployment gathers farmer participants from the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Sogod, Tomas Oppus, Malitbog, and Bontoc. The activity aims to strengthen soil health awareness and provide farmers with science-based soil analysis that will help improve farm productivity and nutrient management practices.

Several officials and partners attended the opening activity to express their support for the program. Present during the event were Miguel Pedroso, Farmer Director for the month of May and Chairperson of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC); Edgar R. Sabillo, Municipal Agriculturist of Bontoc; Benjie Goda, Municipal Administrator of Bontoc representing Mayor Noel E. Alinsub; Gabriel Baugbog, Assistant Provincial Coordinating Officer (APCO); and Hon. Jose Carmelito Acuña, Committee Chairperson on Food and Agriculture of LGU Malitbog.

During the program, officials highlighted the importance of proper soil management and encouraged farmers to maximize the opportunity to have their soil analyzed through the Mobile Soil Laboratory.

The Mobile Soil Laboratory VIII is now stationed at the Municipal Evacuation Center in Bontoc, where it will continue accepting and analyzing soil samples until July 24, 2026. Farmers from the participating LGUs are encouraged to submit soil samples and take advantage of the free soil testing and technical recommendations provided by the team.

Through this initiative, Department of Agriculture continues to promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen soil health management across Eastern Visayas.