Boosting Soil Health: DA Evaluates Innovative Composting Technology in Davao

Davao — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is taking a major step toward long-term soil rehabilitation and sustainable farming with the recent evaluation of a Japan-based biodegradable composting technology at the Davao Thermo Biotech Corporation (DTBC) facility in Toril, Davao City. Led by DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., the visit aims to assess the facility’s capability to transform large-scale agricultural and industrial waste into high-quality organic fertilizer, a process seen as critical to the success of the upcoming "Lupa Pagyamanin" Program. By adopting science-based and climate-resilient solutions, the DA hopes to reduce reliance on chemical inputs and restore the productivity of farmlands across the Davao Region.

Innovation in Waste-to-Resource Management

The Davao Thermo Biotech facility, which has been operational since 2017, utilizes a specialized Japanese technology capable of processing up to 50 tons of biodegradable waste every day. This process converts organic industrial and agricultural waste into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil amendments, which are essential for restoring degraded soil health. During the visit, the DA emphasized that this facility serves as a model for circular waste management, proving that private-sector technology can play a pivotal role in solving broader environmental and agricultural challenges. The success of this technology is already evident in partner farms like Malagos Agri-Ventures Corporation, which has successfully integrated these organic products to boost crop quality and sustainable production.

The "Lupa Pagyamanin" Pilot Program

The Davao Region has been designated as the pilot site for the "Lupa Pagyamanin" Program, a nationwide initiative focused on wide-scale soil rehabilitation. By integrating the organic fertilizer produced at the Toril facility into local farming conditions, the DA intends to gather data on the technology’s efficacy before potential nationwide rollout. The program specifically addresses the need for climate-resilient agricultural practices that improve long-term productivity without depleting the soil. This initiative is part of a broader DA commitment to supporting the competitiveness of Philippine agriculture by ensuring that farmers have access to sustainable, high-quality soil inputs that improve both yields and environmental health.

Building a Resilient Agricultural Future

This partnership between the DA and Davao Thermo Biotech Corporation highlights the department’s growing focus on public-private collaborations to foster innovation. As the agriculture sector faces increasing pressure from climate change and soil degradation, the adoption of advanced waste-management technologies provides a pathway toward a more sustainable bio-economy. Beyond just composting, the DA’s visit signals a shift toward integrating circularity into the farming value chain, ensuring that organic waste is treated as a valuable resource rather than a liability. With continued evaluation and support, the success of the Davao pilot could pave the way for a more productive, resilient, and environmentally conscious agricultural landscape for farmers across the country.