Senator Kiko Pangilinan highlighted the urgent need to combat soil acidification and promote sustainable farming during World Soil Day last December 5, Friday.
He said the condition now affects an estimated 2.2 million hectares of agricultural land in the Philippines, driven by natural factors and decades of excessive chemical fertilizer use.
“This acidification is poisoning hectares upon hectares of farmland. If we allow soil degradation to continue, we compromise our ability to produce enough food for our people,” Pangilinan said.
He encouraged farmers to utilize regular soil testing from local government agricultural offices and state universities, emphasizing that it helps determine nutrient deficiencies, suitable crops, and interventions to restore soil balance.
“Soil testing empowers our farmers. It tells them the condition of their land, what can be planted, and what can be improved,” he added.
Pangilinan also promoted composting and organic fertilization, noting that natural soil enrichment reduces input costs and supports regenerative agriculture.
He called for more aggressive government programs to rehabilitate soil, expand composting facilities, improve access to organic inputs, and sustain funding for agricultural research and extension services.