By Keren Anne Bernadas

NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur (PIA)—Farmers in Camarines Sur are turning to bio-fertilizers as a cheaper alternative to inorganic fertilizers in order to provide the nutrients essential for cultivating rice, a staple food for Filipino consumers. 

Tessie San Joaquin from the Maymatan Farmers’ Multi-purpose Cooperative in Goa, Camarines Sur, shared that through the use of bio-fertilizers, they were able to reduce expenses and generate higher income during the last cropping season. 

San Joaquin said they previously received free bio-fertilizers from the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Bicol, along with free yellow corn seeds and other agricultural inputs. 

“Bio-fertilizers are cheaper than inorganic ones, more effective, and chemical-free, making them safe for consumption,” she said. 

This quarter, she and her husband harvested 146 sacks of rice from their five-hectare farm, a significant increase from last year’s harvest of only 95 sacks.

“Malaking tulong na mabawasan ang mga expenses namin at mapataas ang aming net income para sa aming araw-araw na gastusin, lalo na sa pagpapaaral sa aming mga anak,” she added. 

(It’s a big help to reduce our expenses and increase our net income for our daily needs, especially for our children’s education.) 

On Friday, the DA-Bicol distributed over P400,000 worth of agricultural inputs, including liters of foliar fertilizers (bio-fertilizers), laminated sacks, and raffle knapsack sprayers, to 226 farmers who participated in a techno-demonstration in Pili, Camarines Sur. 

According to Earl Vincent Vegas, the DA Bicol Rice Program focal person, farmers observed the proper application of at least 21 types of bio-fertilizers and 10 ameliorant products at the DA Central Bicol Experiment Station’s rice production area in Pili. 

Vegas stated that this initiative is part of the department’s effort to promote sustainable and cost-efficient rice production practices among farmers. 

“The ameliorant technologies enhance the soil’s ability to absorb nutrients, making it more fertile. The use of organic fertilizers reduces production costs for farmers while enabling higher yields,” he explained. 

Ernesto Escalante Jr., a farmer from Canaman, Camarines Sur, also reported a significant increase in income after switching to the bio-fertilizers he recently received for free from DA Bicol. 

“The Filipino-made organic fertilizers are the most effective for my crops. I apply them every 10 days or at least three times before the flowering stage, during which the leaves are lush and green,” he said. 

 “Previously, I spent more on granular inorganic fertilizers. However, I find it more beneficial to use bio-fertilizers. My crops are thriving while keeping labor and harvest costs low,” he added. (PIA Bicol)

Published Date: June 16, 2025