Soil Health at the Forefront: SLSU-Hinunangan’s Dr. Navarrete Participates in Congressional Policy Dialogue
Strengthening the national agenda on soil sustainability and agricultural resilience took center stage as Dr. Ian A. Navarrete, Campus Director of SLSU-Hinunangan and a distinguished soil scientist, participated in the Congressional Briefing on the Philippine Soil Health Program on February 24.
The high-level policy dialogue was organized by Congressman Eddiebong Plaza (2nd District, Agusan del Sur) and Congressman Alfelito “Alfel” Bascug (1st District, Agusan del Sur). The briefing convened members of Congress, technical experts, and officials from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) to deliberate on strengthening soil health as a cornerstone of agricultural productivity, farmer welfare, and climate resilience.
Soil Health as Strategic Infrastructure
In his synthesis of the proceedings, Dr. Navarrete emphasized that soil health must be reframed not merely as a technical agricultural concern but as a matter of national infrastructure and food security.
“Healthy soils are not optional; they are the backbone of food security, farmer profitability, and climate resilience,” he noted. “It is time to elevate soil health to a national policy priority.”
Discussions during the briefing underscored the urgent need to address declining soil fertility, increasing fertilizer costs, land degradation, and the growing vulnerability of agricultural systems to extreme weather events. Experts highlighted that soil functions—such as nutrient cycling, water filtration, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity support—are fundamental to sustaining crop yields and stabilizing farming livelihoods.
The conversation also explored the importance of strengthening soil laboratories, modernizing testing services, enhancing research capacity, and integrating soil health indicators into national agricultural planning and investment frameworks.
Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The national push for a strengthened Philippine Soil Health Program strongly advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by linking science-based soil management with food security, climate resilience, and environmental protection. By prioritizing soil fertility restoration and sustainable farming practices, the initiative contributes directly to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through improved crop productivity and more stable food systems. At the same time, healthy soils enhance water regulation and carbon storage, reinforcing SDG 13 (Climate Action) by helping farms withstand droughts, flooding, and other climate-related shocks. Sustained attention to soil conservation also supports SDG 15 (Life on Land) by reducing land degradation, protecting biodiversity, and promoting responsible land stewardship. Furthermore, improved soil testing and nutrient management encourage more efficient input use and reduced pollution, aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through smarter, evidence-driven fertilizer application and environmentally sound production systems.
SLSU’s Commitment to Sustainable Development
Dr. Navarrete’s participation in the national briefing reflects the active engagement of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) in policy discourse and science-based governance. As an institution committed to excellence in instruction, research, innovation, and extension, SLSU continues to position itself as a key academic partner in advancing sustainable agricultural development.
SLSU’s mission to produce globally competitive professionals and generate responsive research solutions finds strong resonance in soil health advocacy. Through research initiatives, farmer training, extension programs, and laboratory services, SLSU-Hinunangan contributes to building climate-smart and science-driven agricultural systems in Eastern Visayas.
By engaging in national policy platforms, the university strengthens its role as a knowledge hub that bridges scientific expertise with legislative action. The Congressional Briefing served as an avenue to align academic research with public policy—ensuring that soil science informs national development strategies.
Toward a National Soil Health Agenda
The discussions concluded with a shared recognition that soil degradation, if left unaddressed, threatens food systems, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability. Conversely, systematic investment in soil health research, monitoring, and farmer support programs offers transformative potential for the country’s agricultural future.
For SLSU-Hinunangan, participation in such national dialogues reinforces its commitment to sustainable resource management and evidence-based solutions.
As Dr. Navarrete stressed in his synthesis: the path forward requires institutional reform, sustained funding, strengthened scientific capacity, and political will.
In an era of climate uncertainty and food system pressures, elevating soil health to a national priority is not merely an agricultural concern—it is a strategic imperative for national resilience and long-term prosperity.
