Author: ICTSadmin

CAGAYAN | June 20, 2022 – The FPA Regional Field Unit (RFU) 2 inspected the Farm Mechanizations and Resources Distribution Corporation (FMRDC) warehouse located in Port Irene in Santa Ana, Cagayan on June 17, 2022, to assess its capacity to import fertilizers in the region.

This is in connection with the approval last month of the fertilizer importation permit of FMRDC, which is in Gamu, Isabela. FMRDC President and CEO Engr. Antonio Tumolba chose the port for operational efficiency and ultimately lessen the cost of the fertilizer.

He said, “Unlike Subic, Port Irene is nearer to our distribution areas in Region 2. Our distributors and dealers can get their orders directly from the port, instead of having to pay for travel service and labor cost. In turn, this can possibly lower the price of fertilizer per bag and lessen the burden on farmers.”

The FPA RFU 2 assessed that the port Irene can handle and provide necessary facilities and equipment to accommodate fertilizer imports. The Port Irene management also assured FPA that it is continuously improving their services and facilities in accordance with their ISO certification.

Port Irene built an additional four warehouses, which include the inspected warehouse, with an approximate size of 1,320 square meters per hatch. This is to accommodate the activities of their clients and stakeholders. Currently, the development and construction of infrastructure is ongoing including dredging to allow larger shipping vessels to dock in the port. ###

MASBATE CITY, MASBATE | June 20, 2022 – Seventy-four (74) fertilizer and pesticide dealers were inspected during a Clean-Up Drive (CUD) Operation on June 13-15, 2022, in the island province of Masbate.

Out of the 74 dealers, FPA Bicol Region found seven (7) unlicensed dealers. The unlicensed dealers were issued with Notice of Violations (NOV) and required them to attend the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) Training which is a requirement to secure a FPA license.

On the other hand, compliant dealers were commended and encouraged to be partners of FPA in ensuring the safety of the fertilizer and pesticide users.

During the said enforcement activities, the FPA RFU V personnel also made a courtesy call to the different Local Government Units – Agriculture Offices and distributed Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials.

After the three-day CUD, a face-to-face Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training was conducted in Masbate City, Masbate on June 16-17, 2022 to 26 participants. All of the unlicensed dealers with Notice of Violations (NOV) attended the training.

Likewise, the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) program was highlighted as one of the topics discussed during the ASD Training.

The team was headed by Regional Officer Mr. Gabriel B. Atole, FPA-Masbate Provincial Officer Mr. Rodny P. Conda, FPA-Cam. Sur and Catanduanes Provincial Officer Engr. Christohper M. Nuñez, FPA-Cam. Norte Provincial Officer Engr. Cris L. Legaspi, FPA-Albay Provincial Officer Mr. Winsor L. Nueva and FPA-Sorsogon Provincial Officer Engr. Ardon Ryan E. Nee-Estuye. ###

DAVAO DEL SUR | June 16, 2022 – Forty-two (42) mango contractors and growers were trained during the second wave of FPA Davao Region’s Mango Contractors training held in Brgy. Camanchiles, Matanao, Davao del Sur. The training was in partnership with Agway Chemicals Corporation.

The training is designed to lecture handlers on the correct use of potassium nitrate as a mango flower inducer and develop the awareness on the safe and judicious use of fertilizers (Fertilizer Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines, p. 72).

Regional Officer (RO) Marrisa Napalit and Agway Chemicals Corporation welcomed the participants and gave them the overview of the training.

Provincial Officers (POs) Imelda Rasay and Rustom Gain Tanduyan discussed the Presidential Decree (PD) 1144, including the creation, duties, and responsibilities of FPA. They also tackled Executive Order (EO) 522 covering the FPA rules and regulations governing the mango industry, acquisition of use of nitrates, and recognition & first aid management on pesticide poisoning cases.

Agway Chemicals Corp. on the other hand, discussed the remaining technical topics, including plant nutrition, the correct use of mango flower inducer, cultural practices, insect pests, disease management, pesticide information, classification, and safe use in mango production.

The newly trained participants will be eligible to apply for a License to Operate (LTO) as Mango Contractor.   ###

SOUTHERN, LEYTE | June 16, 2022 – Deputy Executive Director Dr. Myer Mula and FPA RFU 8 visited 29 farmers in St. Bernard, Tomas Oppus, and Sogod, Southern Leyte, last June 14, 2022. The activity aims to educate the farmers and accredited dealers with the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) as an alternative solution to counter the alarming fertilizer price hike.

The farmers are the beneficiaries of Mallard Duck Production, Egg Layer Production, and Vegetable Production. They are members of the Bolodbolod Mahayhay San Isidro Irrigators (BOMOSA), Mapgap Farmers Association, and MAGAPSO Mahayhay Irrigators Association.

During the discussion, the FPA team presented the FPA’s mandate, functions, and the reasons for the increase in fertilizer prices. They also promoted the use of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) program as an alternative recommendation on fertilization.

The BFS Program is a long-term solution to address the rising price of fertilizer globally and the deteriorating soils by judicious use and/or combination of inorganic and organic materials like rice straw, livestock, and chicken manure to supply plants with appropriate nutrients to ensure that the crop can sustain high production over long cropping periods preserving the nutrients and improving soil structure.

Moreover, Provincial Officer Claudette Mae Terciño introduced the list of FPA accredited dealers. Dealers and handlers undergo training for proper handling of agricultural inputs and take exams before getting accredited by FPA. They are also regularly monitored by FPA to ensure that they constantly practice proper and safe handling of fertilizers and pesticides and sell them with good quality. 

FPA promised to strengthen the training for safe and judicious use of fertilizer and pesticide and to enhance the information campaign for alternative fertilization processes such as the Balanced Fertilization Strategy, Green Manuring, etc.

Further, FPA strengthened its link with the Department of Agriculture, other attached agencies, and other private companies and government agencies involved in future projects that will uplift the agricultural scene in the region.

LEYTE | June 16, 2022 – FPA RFU 8, headed by Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer (DEDF)  Dr. Myer Mula, orients 87 farmer beneficiaries of the Palayanon Unlad Farmers Association, Daro Integrated Farmers Association, and San Roque Women’s Welfare Association of the Department of Agriculture-Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program last June 13, 2022.

The FPA team, consisting of Regional Officer Francis Salvador Costas and Provincial Officers Eric Castanas, Loreto Macabio Jr., Gary Dela Cruz, and Claudette Tercino, accompanied by Dr. Mula and FPA Planning Officer Atty. Errol John Ramos discussed the agency’s functions and mandates. They also explained the reasons behind the rising cost of fertilizer, such as: 

• The increased prices of raw materials
• Increased transport and logistical costs due to COVID-19 travel restrictions
• High global demand and prioritization of fertilizer-producing countries for local distribution

The team also mentioned the list of FPA accredited dealers in the areas to ensure that the fertilizers they buy are high-quality, effective, and validated by science and are accredited by FPA. They also divulged the processes and requirements for licensing applications for attendees who are interested in being dealers or handlers of agricultural inputs.

Furthermore, the team promoted the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) and other alternatives to lessen dependence on imported fertilizer and still achieve good-quality produce.

“As an alternate way to fertilizer, use farm wastes such as chicken dung and cast-off rice hull beddings. This way, you utilize the organic and on-hand fertilizer, which may cost less than when you buy imported ones. It is also a better option for maintaining the health of your soil and crops,” Dr. Mula said. He also encouraged to practice green manuring using leguminous crops to maintain the health and structure of the soil.

The activity was in collaboration with the SAAD Regional Focal Person Ferlyn Basanez and Provincial Coordinator Allan Brit. 

ILOILO | June 16, 2022 – FPA Provincial Officer (PO) Emmanuel Barrida inspected Nikka Farm Supply in Poblacion, Balasan, Iloilo on June 15, 2022 for the renewal of its license to operate (LTO).

The company was found compliant with the FPA standards and is eligible for the renewal. 

PO Barrida reminded the dealer/representative to always be mindful of the products they sell, that they should be registered with FPA and must be labeled properly.  In addition, he also discussed the importance of keeping the books and records of their day-to-day transactions in relation to pesticide and fertilizer purchases, sale and use, as indicated in the Accredited Safety Dispenser training manual. 

Afterwards, PO Barrida assisted the dealer with the renewal of their licenses. 

CONCEPCION, ILOILO | June 16, 2022 – In an effort to help the agriculture sector in Western Visayas, FPA RFU 6 and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Industry Association-Western Visayas (FPIA-WV) met on June 13, 2022 to discuss possible collaborative initiatives.

Regional Officer (RO) Noel Negre and Provincial Officer (PO) Raymund Alfor represented the FPA. While FPIA-WV was led by Ricky Sazon, the association’s president.

FPA and FPIA-WV planned to establish a strong connection with LGU in terms of proper disposal of empty pesticide containers (EPC) by continuing the “Baylo Basiyo” program. The program encourages farmers and handlers to surrender their EPCs in compliance to proper management of toxic waste and substances under RA 6969 and Pesticide Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines.

RO Negre promised to continuously capacitate and update the agri-technicians and FPIA-WV members of the FPA rules and regulations through the conduct of seminars, symposiums, and meetings.

FPIA-WV, on the other hand, showed their willingness to cooperate in achieving the plans and activities agreed upon during the meeting. ###

BOHOL | June 16, 2022 – FPA Regional Office VII collaborated with Agway Chemicals Corporation to conduct a farmers meeting in Barangay San Isidro, Pilar, Bohol on June 10, 2022.

Regional Officer (RO) Arnulfo Arausa, Jr., and Agronomist Dante Bentilanon discussed and promoted the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) and the safe and judicious use of fertilizer and pesticide to 15 farmers.

“Nilalayon ng Balanced Fertilization Strategy ang paggamit ng kombinasyong inorganiko at organikong pataba para maibsan ang production cost habang pinapanatili ang mataas na ani at pinapanumbalik ang fertility ng lupa,” RO Arausa said.

The BFS Program is a long-term solution to address the rising price of fertilizer globally and the deteriorating soils by judicious use and/or combination of inorganic and organic materials like rice straw, livestock, and chicken manure to supply plants with appropriate nutrients to ensure that the crop can sustain high production over long cropping periods preserving the nutrients and improving soil structure.