Speaker lauds biofertilizer plant as ‘game changer’
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez–INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
Speaker Martin Romualdez on Sunday expressed high hopes of improved earnings for Filipino farmers following the opening in Laguna of a plant for locally developed biological fertilizer, describing it a “game changer” in the country’s aim for food security.
The Leyte congressman said the inauguration of AgriSpecialist Inc.’s Bio N fertilizer plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, would usher in a new chapter in Philippine agriculture and be a turning point for farmers and the country’s food supply.
According to the University of the Philippines-Los Baños’ (UPLB) National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology website, Bio N is a microbial based fertilizer mainly composed of bacteria that could convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by rice, corn and vegetables to enhance shoot growth and root development.
Bio N was exclusively licensed to AgriSpecialist on March 2023, to “improve access for farmers in need of safe, effective and low-cost fertilizer.”
Romualdez, who was guest speaker at the plant’s inauguration, stressed the opening of the facility meant “cheaper fertilizer for our farmers. More harvests and more income. More healthy and affordable food for every Filipino.”
“Every sack of rice, every ear of corn, every vegetable on our tables comes from the sweat and sacrifice of our farmers. But if they are struggling with high costs and low yields, we all feel the impact in the prices of food, family expenses and livelihood in the country,“ he said.
The head of the 300-member House of Representatives said the new fertilizer plant aligned with President Marcos’ vision of the Philippines breaking free from its dependence on food imports.
According to Romualdez, the government was helping farmers by educating them in the use of modern technology and methodologies, which included the use of locally produced biological fertilizers.
“Through the use of a balanced fertilizer strategy, farmers would have better harvests without relying on the more expensive imported fertilizers,” he said. He added having locally produced fertilizer would empower farmers, giving them real choices, solutions and support.
The Bio N plant is expected to produce 7,000 metric tons of biological fertilizer every year, enough to supply the needs of rice and corn farmers nationwide.
“One of the most important things about this initiative is that it is 100 percent Proudly Filipino,” he said.
The lawmaker asserted that while the UPLB project for Bio N was a “bold step forward,” the government should continue to invest on innovation, research and solutions to boost the country’s agriculture. INQ
