The path to balanced fertilization between biology and the Philippines
By Junep Ocampo
“Napapagod Na Ang Lupa.The soil is being tired.
From the rice fields of the mountains to the Hongstra of Sindoro and Padise of Mindanao, this weary lament echoes in the Philippine countryside. Philippine farmers are burdened by harvest and rising costs. They talk about areas where they no longer react, even for increasingly expensive fertilizers. Once a symbol of hope, many of these farmlands now produce only 50 bags of PALAY per hectare, half of the Masagana 99 program in the 1970s.
Agricultural scientists have issued an alarm: Overuse of synthetic inputs, especially nitrogen-rich urea, is pushing the country’s soil into a state of fatigue. The commitment to immediate returns masks deeper consequences: soil acidification, loss of beneficial microorganisms and degradation of soil structures. This is a vicious cycle – more input, weaker results, higher costs.
But in the ashes of the old crisis, are the seeds of renewal.
Indigenous solutions to volcanic soils
In 1991, as Luzon struggled to recover from the devastating destruction of Mount Pinatubo, what was unexpected in the desolate landscape: Tarashib Grass, cold tolerant and tough. This attracted the attention of Mercedes U. Garcia, a soil microbiologist at the University of Los Banios (UPLB) in the Philippines. Her roots were found at its roots with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that could convert atmospheric nitrogen into nutrients that crops might use.
This discovery led to the creation of Bion, a microbial inoculant developed by the Philippines that enhances soil fertility without the environmental costs of synthetic fertilizers. As fine powder produced organisms can be easily applied by seed coatings, immersion or broadcasting, technology that can be used even by small farmers. Only P500 per kilogram, it replaces nitrogen equivalent to two urea and costs more than P3,000.
Biological savings can help rejuvenate the soil, stimulate root growth, increase pest resistance and restore soil health. Field trials show that rice yields can be increased by up to 15% and corn yields increased by 40%.
Legacy from science
Biology is not just a product of microbiology, it is a lively legacy.
In 1982, President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. was unveiled at the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotech at UPLB, which is his belief that science and technology are key to national development. At the height of the global oil and fertilizer crisis, he sent Filipino scientists to create local solutions for food security.
Biology is one of the most promising results of the center. This is an innovation developed by Filipinos for Filipino farmers. But despite its promise, it remains a footnote to Filipino agriculture. Low awareness, lack of commercial production and policy ignore its national adoption.
“The vision was clear,” recalled Emil Q. Javier, one of the architects of the program. “Bio could have changed the game 30 years ago. ”
The promotion of fertilization balance
Now, with a new government and a new urgency, this vision is being eliminated and resurrected.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) is a mixture of organic, inorganic and biofertilizers at the heart of the organism. The aim is to restore soil vitality, reduce input costs, and reduce dependence on the global fertilizer market.
In March 2023, UPLB awarded Agrispecialist, Inc. Exclusive license to enable mass production of biological products using modern bioreactors in STA. Rosa, Laguna. Since then, more than 100 crop nutrition experts have been deployed in the provinces that produce rice to promote the product and train farmers.
It turned out to be on the ground
The results are already visible.
In Talavera, Nueva Ecija, Jerbin Salavador from Rice Farmer-Technician made immediate improvements. “MAS MAGAAN SA BULSA, MAS MAGANDA PA ANG PALAYHe said.amangDe La Cruz’s farming of eight hectares reported similar gains – enough savings to send his two children to nursing school.
Their secret? Follow the instructions printed on the back of the bag of BioN.
Arnold Jumaquio, a farmer who grows mixed rice, said the biota helps reduce fertilizer costs while maintaining yields. In Ilocos Norte, an inbred rice grower, Juanito Manuel, responds to the sentiment: “Hindi Mo no kailangan magdagdag ng dagdag.
These recommendations not only imply a change in practice, but also a change in mindset. Farmers are learning that healthy soil is not about dumping more chemicals, but about working with nature.
Policy, procurement and president will
Economist and former NEDA secretary Dr. Cielito Haboto believes that it is time to scale up. The recently signed Tatak Pinoy Act (RA 11981) requires government procurement to favor Philippine innovation, which is tailored to the policy of BioN.
“This is an ideal moment for the government to give a speech,” Heto said. “The support for biologicals is all boxes: a cost-effective ambient sound made in the Philippines.”
But, advocates say that in addition to procurement, political will is needed, and the president is willing to realize the scientific vision that began more than 40 years ago.
The launch of President Ferdinand “Bonbon” Marcos Jr. Bio could be a great opportunity to achieve this promise.
“Complete this project will not only respect the father’s legacy, it will help the future agriculture of the Philippines,” Dr Javier said.
Soil regeneration
The stakes are high due to geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices, with global fertilizer prices soaring again. Philippine rice farmers cannot afford expensive input systems and systems with reduced returns.
Fortunately, the solution may already be in our hands – rooted in our own volcanic soil, from Filipino science, and tested by Filipino farmers.
Biology is not only biological fertilizer. This is the second chance – healing the soil, empowering the farmers and completing what started in 1982.
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