Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced plans to establish permanent soil laboratories in each region of the Philippines to assist farmers in boosting their agricultural productivity and yield. The announcement was made during a dialogue with the 50th Gawad Saka Awardees in Nueva Ecija.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos stressed the necessity of understanding soil conditions to effectively guide government interventions and provide farm support. He introduced the concept of mobile soil laboratories, stating, "To further improve your production, we brought here. 16 mobile soil laboratories. Each region will have one. It will stay in one place and then move around to assess what is needed."

These mobile laboratories represent the initial phase of a larger initiative aimed at equipping regions with permanent soil analysis facilities. "After these mobile laboratories, we will build permanent ones. We want to put up a permanent soil laboratory in every region. So this is just phase one, so to speak," Marcos explained.

In addition, Marcos expressed his gratitude and respect for the Gawad Saka awardees, highlighting their essential role in national development and food security. "Thank you for your sacrifices," he stated.

This year, the Gawad Saka program recognized a total of 43 individuals and institutions throughout the country, celebrating their excellence and innovation in the farming and fisheries sectors.