The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VIII, through its Regional Soils Laboratory, successfully conducted the National Soil Health Workshop through Soil Nutrient Management from May 25 to 27, 2026 in Tacloban City.

The three-day capacity-building activity brought together Municipal Agriculturists and Agricultural Extension Workers from across Eastern Visayas to enhance their technical knowledge and skills in soil health management and nutrient stewardship. To maximize hands-on learning and participant engagement, the workshop was conducted in two batches. The first batch comprised participants from the provinces of Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar, while the second batch included representatives from Leyte, Biliran, and Southern Leyte.

The workshop was supported and attended by Norietta F. Orsua, DVM, Chief of the Integrated Laboratory Division, underscoring the Department’s commitment to promoting science-based agricultural practices and sustainable soil management.

The training sessions were facilitated by Edmond N. Odon, RAgr, Agriculturist II; Evangeline S. Garing, RAgr, Senior Agriculturist; and Louise Marie R. Jumao-as, RAgr, Science Research Specialist I. Participants underwent comprehensive discussions and practical exercises covering Soil Sampling Protocols and Fertility Maps, Hands-on Soil Test Kit (STK) Analysis, and fertilizer recommendation formulation using the FertRight Mobile Application.

Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and field-based exercises, participants gained valuable competencies in assessing soil fertility conditions and developing site-specific nutrient management recommendations aimed at improving crop productivity and resource-use efficiency.

The workshop concluded with the awarding of certificates to participants and a closing message delivered by Ma. Kris V. Tolentino, RCh, Chief of the Regional Soils Laboratory, who emphasized the vital role of soil health in ensuring sustainable agricultural development and food security.

The activity forms part of DA-RFO 8’s continuing efforts to strengthen the capabilities of Provincial Agriculturists, Municipal Agriculturists, and Agricultural Extension Workers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively implement soil health interventions and support resilient, productive, and sustainable farming systems across Eastern Visayas.