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Bio N and the Journey to Equitable Fertilization in the Philippines
By JUNEP OCAMPO
“Napapagod na ang lupa.” The soil is becoming fatigued.
From the rice terraces of the Cordilleras to the floodplains of Mindoro and the fields of Mindanao, this tired refrain resonates throughout the Philippine countryside. Filipino farmers are weighed down by dwindling harvests and increasing expenditures. They lament fields that no longer respond — even to escalating chemical fertilizer prices. Once a beacon of promise, numerous farmlands now produce scarcely 50 sacks of palay per hectare — half the objective of the 1970s Masagana 99 initiative.
Agricultural researchers have raised the alarm: the excessive use of artificial inputs — mainly nitrogen-laden urea — is driving the nation’s soils into a state of depletion. The allure of swift yield improvements has obscured more profound ramifications: soil acidification, loss of beneficial microbes, and compromised soil structure. It’s a detrimental cycle — more inputs, diminished returns, rising expenses.
Yet, among the remnants of an old crisis lies the potential for renewal.
A Local Solution from Volcanic Landscape
In 1991, as Luzon endeavored to recover from the aftermath of Mount Pinatubo’s eruption, something unforeseen sprouted in the barren expanse: talahib grass, tough and resilient. This piqued the interest of Dr. Mercedes U. Garcia, a soil microbiologist from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). Within its roots, she discovered nitrogen-fixing bacteria capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen into nutrients usable by plants.
This finding led to the development of Bio N, a microbial inoculant created in the Philippines that enhances soil fertility without the ecological repercussions associated with synthetic fertilizers. Manufactured as a fine powder, Bio N can be easily applied through seed coating, root immersion, or broadcasting — methods accessible even to smallholder farmers. Priced at only P500 per kilogram, it replaces the nitrogen equivalent of two bags of urea, which collectively exceed P3,000.
Beyond cost efficiency, Bio N aids in rejuvenating the soil, encouraging root development, enhancing pest resistance, and restoring soil vitality. Field experiments demonstrate yield increases of up to 15% in rice and 40% in corn.
Born from a Scientific Heritage
Bio N signifies more than just a microbiology product — it embodies a living heritage.
In 1982, President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. inaugurated the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) at UPLB, propelled by his conviction that science and technology were crucial for national advancement. Amid a global oil and fertilizer crisis, he challenged Filipino scientists to devise local solutions for food security.
Bio N became one of the center’s most promising developments. It was an innovation conceived by Filipinos, intended for Filipino farmers. However, despite its potential, it remained a mere footnote in Philippine agriculture. Limited awareness, absence of commercial production, and policy oversight hindered its widespread implementation.
“The vision was evident. Yet momentum was lost,” recalls National Scientist Dr. Emil Q. Javier, one of the program’s pioneers. “Bio N could have revolutionized the industry 30 years ago.”
The Initiative for Balanced Fertilization
Now, with a new administration and renewed motivation, that vision is being revitalized.
The Department of Agriculture’s Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) — a synthesis of organic, inorganic, and biofertilizers— positions Bio N at its heart. The objective is to rejuvenate soil vitality, diminish input expenses, and reduce reliance on fluctuating global fertilizer markets.
In March 2023, UPLB awarded exclusive licensing rights to AgriSpecialist, Inc., facilitating large-scale production of Bio N using modern bioreactors in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Since then, over 100 crop nutrition specialists have been assigned to rice-growing regions to promote the product and train farmers.
Visible Outcomes
The outcomes are already evident.
In Talavera, Nueva Ecija, rice farmer-technician Jerbin Salavador noticed immediate enhancements. “Mas magaan sa bulsa, mas maganda pa ang palay,” he remarked. His palay exhibited greener leaves, sturdier stalks, and more robust grains. Farmer Ferdinand ‘Amang’ de la Cruz, who cultivates eight hectares, reported comparable improvements — sufficient savings to support two of his children’s nursing education.
Their secret? Adhering to the guidelines printed on the back of a sachet of Bio N.
Farmer Arnold Jumaquio, who raises hybrid rice, claimed Bio N helped lower fertilizer costs while preserving yields. In Ilocos Norte, Juanito Manuel, an inbred rice grower, echoed similar sentiments: “Hindi mo na kailangan magdagdag ng dagdag. Yung lupa, parang gumaan ang paghinga.”
These accounts indicate not merely a change in practices — but a shift in perspective. Farmers are recognizing that healthy soil is not about applying more chemicals, but about collaborating with nature.
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Policy, Procurement, and Presidential Resolve
Economist and former NEDA Secretary Dr. Cielito Habito asserts that the current moment is ideal for expansion. The recently enacted Tatak Pinoy Act (RA 11981) obligates government procurement to favor local innovations — a policy perfectly suited for Bio N.
“This is an opportune time for the government to demonstrate its commitment,” stated Habito. “Backing Bio N meets all the criteria: locally produced, economical, ecologically sustainable.”
However, beyond procurement, supporters argue that political determination is essential — along with a president eager to realize a scientific vision initiated over forty years ago.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., in his 2024 State of the Nation Address, urged agencies to endorse indigenous technology for food security. The implementation of Bio N might serve as the perfect chance to deliver on that commitment.
“Completing this initiative would not only pay tribute to his father’s legacy,” remarked Dr. Javier, “it would contribute to future-proofing agriculture in the Philippines.”
A Soil Rejuvenated
As global fertilizer prices surge once more due to geopolitical conflicts and rising oil costs, the risks are significant. Philippine rice farmers cannot afford to remain ensnared in a cycle of costly inputs and dwindling returns.
Fortunately, the remedy may already reside within our grasp — entrenched in our indigenous volcanic soil, cultivated through Filipino science, and validated by local farmers.
Bio N is more than a biofertilizer. It is a revitalization opportunity — to restore the soil, empower farmers, and continue the efforts initiated in 1982.
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