The University of the Philippines Soil Science Society (UPSSS) conducted a day-long outreach activity titled “Soil-Id! Lupa ay Bida sa Gulayan” for Grade 9 and 10 students specializing in Agriculture of the Los Baños National High School (LBNHS)–Poblacion, Laguna, last November 19, 2025.

UPSSS is a duly recognized academic organization at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and it has been promoting academic excellence and strengthening public appreciation of Soil Science and its vital role in agriculture for over 48 years. In line with this advocacy, the outreach program aimed to introduce students to soil health monitoring technologies, particularly the Soil Test Kit (STK), and also to provide career guidance on opportunities in the soil science field.

The event was organized in partnership with the UPLB Agricultural Systems Institute–Division of Soil Science, the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist–Los Baños, and the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA–BSWM). Moreover, the event was sponsored by the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Plant Industry (DA–BPI), DA–BPI Los Baños National Crop Research, Development, and Production Support Center (LBNCRDPSC), Sole UP LGN, and the Lyceum of the Philippines University Baristas’ Association.

The morning session opened with remarks from the activity head and UPSSS Public Relations officer, Jeremy Miles A. Marquez. After which, a lecture on the importance of soil analysis and the rationale and procedures of the STK was held, led by Keyfej C. Ramos (Chemist I) and Christlle Bhrey P. Dedal, administrative assistant I of DA–BSWM’s Laboratory Services Division. Students then proceeded to a hands-on demonstration of the STK, where Grades 9 and 10, comprising 32 and 35 students, respectively, took soil samples to test for pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). The STK is a rapid qualitative tool used by soil laboratories, agricultural extension workers (AEW), and farmers with results that serve as the basis for fertilizer recommendations.

The afternoon session consisted of a career talk focusing on the pathways in soil science. Jacob B. Labita, Professional Agriculturist and Researcher at the DA–BSWM Soil and Water Resources Research Division (SWRRD) and member of the Philippine Society of Soil Science and Technology (PSSST), Inc. Board of Trustees, shared his professional journey and emphasized the growing need for young experts in the field. This was followed by the talk of Ramos, who discussed the National Soil Health Program; its key strategies, including strengthening soil laboratories, monitoring of soil health, and promotion of sustainable land management; and the role of DA–BSWM in supervising the soil laboratories nationwide. She also introduced the Rapid Soil Test (RST) Section and the career opportunities offered.

Following the talk, an open forum was held, allowing students to raise questions on soil formation and management, the role of soil health in food security and sustainability, and how young people can protect and restore soils.

The program concluded with the awarding of certificates and tokens to the speakers, partners, and sponsors. DA–BPI also donated seeds and fertilizers to the school, which were received by Ms. Rosanna Aspiras, Head Teacher I of the LBNHS–Poblacion Araling Panlipunan Department. Closing messages were given by Aspiras; Cheryll T. Laviña-Gonzales, municipal agriculturist of Los Baños; and Marquez.

For more information and updates on UPSSS activities, you may follow them on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @UPSoils.