A farmers’ group in northern Philippines has begun adopting a science-based fertilisation method aimed at increasing corn productivity while improving soil health, in a government-backed effort to strengthen the country’s food security.
The Mallong Hillside Farmers Association (FA) in Barangay Cudal, Tabuk City, has been chosen as the pilot site for the Adaptive Balanced Fertilisation Strategy (ABFS), a programme introduced by the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM).
Officials said the strategy promotes the balanced use of organic and inorganic fertilisers to enhance crop yields cost-effectively, addressing long-standing concerns over low corn output in the Philippines.
Soil-focused approach
Visitacion Castillo, regional focal person for the Cordillera under the DA-BSWM’s Soil and Water Team, said the initiative is intended to demonstrate how science-based methods can address productivity gaps in the sector.
“Corn production across the Philippines is very low. That is why ABFS has been developed, to uplift or add to corn production,” Castillo told the Philippine Information Agency.
She noted that the Mallong site is the first in the Cordillera Administrative Region to adopt the approach in corn farming.
The project provides participating farmers with hybrid corn seeds, 1,000 bags of organic fertiliser and 1,475 bags of inorganic fertilisers, including ammonium phosphate, urea and muriate of potash.
Training and capacity-building activities are also included.
The 100-hectare project area will serve as a demonstration site, with results expected to guide broader adoption of the technique across the region.
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Farmer participation
Leaders of the Mallong Hillside FA expressed their support for the initiative, stating that they are committed to following its guidelines.
Association president Herbert Olosan said he expects the project to improve local farming practices, raise yields and eventually increase household incomes.
“We expect more training to be given. We expect our lives to be uplifted, especially since the fertiliser is also provided free,” Olosan said.
Regional output
Kalinga province is the top corn producer in the Cordillera Administrative Region.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the province accounted for 55,549 metric tonnes, or 34.1% of the region’s corn output in 2024.
Officials hope that introducing ABFS in the area will not only boost production but also provide a replicable model for other farming communities across the country, where corn is a key food staple and livestock feed.
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