DA RFO 12 Regional Soils Laboratory

02/06/2026

The DA XII Regional Soils Laboratory participated in the “Training on ISO/IEC 17025 for Mindanao Cluster – Track 2” held on May 19–21, 2026 at The Grand Summit Hotel, General Santos City.

The activity was made possible through the joint efforts of the UN-Food and Agriculture Organization in the Philippines and the DA-Food Development Center, bringing together laboratory personnel under the Integrated Laboratories Division from the Regional Crop Protection Center, Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Regional Soils Laboratory, and Feed Chemical Analysis Laboratory.

Led by ILD Chief Dr. Jeneffer R. Bulawan, the participants enhanced their understanding of laboratory quality systems, good laboratory practices, equipment maintenance, and calibration as essential components of reliable and competent laboratory operations.

The three-day training featured technical discussions on:

🔬 Good Laboratory Practice in Chemical Laboratory
Resource Person: Lourdes V. Timario

🦠 Good Laboratory Practice in Microbiology Laboratory
Resource Person: Rachel R. Elano

⚙️ Equipment Maintenance and Calibration
Resource Person: Mary Angelica Sulayla S. Cabalu

The learning sessions provided valuable insights on strengthening laboratory processes, improving the reliability of test results, and supporting compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

Through this capacity-building activity, the participating laboratories continue to advance their commitment to quality, accuracy, technical competence, and improved laboratory services for the agriculture sector.

13/05/2026

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.

07/05/2026

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.

07/05/2026

The Regional Soils Laboratory XII participated in the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) – Rice Technical Briefing and Capacity Building Activity held on May 6, 2026, in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

During the activity, RSL XII emphasized the importance of proper soil sampling as a foundation for accurate soil analysis and appropriate fertilizer recommendations for rice areas.

This initiative supports the continuing effort to strengthen the technical capacity of farmers and stakeholders in adopting balanced fertilization, site-specific nutrient management, and sustainable rice production practices in Region XII.

07/05/2026

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐗𝐈𝐈 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐁𝐅𝐒 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥

On May 5, the Regional Soils Laboratory XII participated in the Harvest Festival for Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) – Corn at Brgy. Bai Saripinang, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.

As part of the technical session, Mr. Elly Paul A. Tomas, Chemist IV, and Mr. Reynan H. Dumaraog, Senior Agriculturist, RSL XII, served as resource persons and discussed the proper procedure on soil sampling, emphasizing its importance in generating reliable soil test results and developing science-based fertilizer recommendations for corn production.

Through this activity, RSL XII continues to support DA-RFO XII initiatives that promote site-specific nutrient management, improved crop productivity, and sustainable agriculture.

04/05/2026

The Regional Soils Laboratory XII successfully underwent the BSWM Annual Monitoring and Renewal of License to Operate–Soil Laboratory (LTO-SL) on April 28–29, 2026, at Amas, Kidapawan City.

The on-site surveillance visit was conducted to ensure the laboratory’s continuous compliance with the requirements of Presidential Decree No. 1435, which governs the operation and regulation of soil laboratories.

This activity reaffirms RSL XII’s commitment to providing reliable, quality, and compliant soil testing services in support of farmers and agricultural development in Region XII.

23/04/2026

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.

01/04/2026

26/03/2026

25/03/2026

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.