In the national conversation, soil often goes unnoticed, overshadowed by more pressing issues concerning agriculture or land management. The significance of soil escapes our attention unless we engage in urban farming or indoor gardening. However, beneath our feet lies the source of life itself. Without soil, where would our plants and trees find their footing? Without plants and trees, where would we find the life–giving oxygen we breathe? It is unfortunate that we fail to recognize the value of soil until it’s already gone.
While it may not have garnered widespread attention or virality online, the country held its first National Soil Health Summit on June 21, 2023, with the President leading the call to address the growing problems of “degradation, acidification, and pollution of Philippine soil.”
“Our soil is under threat. To continue to neglect this vital agricultural component will lead to an even worse crisis in the future,” said Marcos during the summit’s opening. “While the Philippines is blessed with rich and fertile lands, our country is facing grave and urgent issues in providing quality and sufficient food.”
Citing data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the President highlighted that “around 75 percent of the country’s total cropland is vulnerable to erosion in various degrees, with agriculture losing about 457 million tons of soil annually.” He added that the conversion of lands for settlements and the loss of about 47 hectares of forest cover every year contribute to soil degradation.
“Making matters worse is the improper use of fertilizers and pesticides that pollute and acidify our soil,” Marcos said, noting that on top of the 2.2 million hectares that suffer from “insufficient levels of soil fertility,” around 11 to 13 million hectares are considered “degraded.”
The Chief Executive took the opportunity to unveil the government’s five-point priority agenda for soul and water management, which includes sustainable land management and empowering the Bureau of Soil and Water Management.
“We are conducting a soil and land resources mapping and evaluation process that includes soil-based and land-based level assessments, soil sample analyses and digital map preparations under the Philippine Soil Land Resources Information program,” he said.
Furthermore, he reported that the government is also exploring water security measures through climate-resilient rainwater technologies, and conducting cloud seeding operations for agriculture.
“All these (are being done) to improve water conditions in production areas, in critical watersheds, and in our reservoirs. These are all part of the collective efforts to mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.”
Over the years, the government has faced criticisms for policies that may appear detrimental or short-sighted. Academics and private sector experts have been critical and vocal in their assessments. This time, however, is not the time for blame or criticism. Recognizing that the government alone cannot address all the challenges when it comes to soil management, the President called upon the private sector and the academe to work and collaborate with the government in tackling the issue of soil health.
By joining forces, pooling expertise, and starting at the grassroots level, we can find the optimal solutions to challenges that have plagued our country for generations. The present moment is an opportune time for such collaboration, and if we seek to start at the very foundation, then there is no need to search beyond the soil beneath our feet.
