In an effort to address the issue of solid waste and improve soil health in the Philippines, Dr. Alminda A. Fernandez, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Education, and her co-authors, Ms. Olivia P. Puentespina and Mr. Fernan Rhean A. Ramos, from the University of Southeastern Philippines and Davao Thermo Biotech Corporation have successfully presented a research project entitled “Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy: USEP-JMCFI-DTBC “Waste to food project” to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for funding.
Moreover, the project can also help address the high cost of synthetic fertilizer, which has been a significant issue for farmers in the country. By using biofertilizers, farmers can reduce their expenses and at the same time, improve the quality of their crops.
The project proposes the use of Dr. Bo’s Biofertilizer, a byproduct of a unique hyperthermophilic composting method produced by DTBC, to replace chemical inputs in agricultural systems. The biofertilizers can improve soil nutrient availability or mobilize nutrients for plants, which can enhance the soil health of farms decimated by the Panama disease. This is a significant development since it utilizes naturally occurring processes to lessen reliance on agrochemicals, which can be harmful to the environment.
The successful presentation of the research to the DOST for funding paves the way for more innovative research by the school in the area of Agriculture. It is worth noting that the institution will start accepting enrollees for its new program offering, the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, starting June 2023 as approved by the Commission on Higher Education. This indicates the school’s commitment to addressing the issues in the agriculture sector in the country.
The “Collaborative Research and Development to leverage Philippine Economy: USEP-JMCFI-DTBC “Waste to food project” is a significant step towards sustainable agriculture in the Philippines. It showcases the potential of utilizing naturally occurring processes to address the country’s agricultural issues while promoting environmental sustainability. The JMarian, 14 Mar 2023
