Author: ICTSadmin

QUEZON CITY | April 7, 2022 – To promote and implement the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) program of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Management and Working Committees were created and approved on April 5, 2022 (DA Special Order no. 286 s 2022).

BFS is one of the program of DA to address the rising cost of fertilizers, improve soil health, and increase crop productivity and farmers’ income through site-specific nutrient management. This means the application of plant nutrients in optimum quantities in the right proportion through the appropriate methods at the time suited for a specific crop and agro-climatic conditions (DA Memorandum Circular no. 20 s. 2020).

The Program Management Committee (PMC) is chaired by Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Executive Director Wilfredo Roldan, co-chaired by Bureau of Soils and Waste Management (BSWM) Director Pablo Montalla, and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Director Rosana Mula. Members of the committee are Bureau of Agricultural Research Director Junel Soriano, Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering Director Ariodear Rico, Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) Director Vivencio Mamaril, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Director George Culaste, Field Operations Service (FOS) Director Bernadette San Juan, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) Director Dionisio Alvindia, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Executive Director John De Leon, Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Deputy Administrator Ignacio Santillana, Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Deputy Administrator Ramon Rivera, National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Deputy Administrator Cesario Sembrana, and FPA Deputy Executive Director Myer Mula.

The PMC is expected to:

• Facilitate convergence and coordination among the involved agencies, partners and other concerned stakeholders in support to BFS technology;
• Mainstream BFS technology in all related program;
• Monitor and evaluate the progress and accomplishments, and recommend policies to be adopted to ensure successful implementation
• Submit reports to DA secretary regarding the updates, milestones, and appropriate technical and policy recommendation to support BFS

On the other hand, the Technical Working Committee (TWC) was created to:

• Prepare DA implementing guidelines of BFS technology for nationwide adoption,
• Assist the policy-making body in setting the standards and recommendations for implementation of BFS,
• Oversee the development of BFS policy options relative to fertilizer watch system,
• Consolidate, analyze, and interpret data gathered and develop a database on the performance of BFS,
• Provide recommendations on adjustment towards Adaptive BFS;
• Create a monitoring system to assure the quality and quantity of fertilizers as well as the database for posting on the BFS;
• Conduct quarterly assessment of BFS implementation i.e., crop production, fertilizer use and availability, and market;
• Enhance capacities of the agricultural sector on BFS through the conduct of training and information dissemination activities; and,
• Each agency/office shall create its own coordination and implementation team and perform its functions, as stated below, for the successful implementation of BFS.

The TWC is headed by Dr. Myer Mula of FPA and co-headed by Assistant Director Joell Lales of BAR. Members include ATI Director Rosana Mula, BAFE Engr. Janice Vargas, BAFS Joeve Calleja, BPI Samuel Fontanilla, BSWM Assistant Director Gina Nilo, PhilMech Assistant Director Ronaldo Sebastian Reyes, PhilRice Jovino De Dios, and FOS Vener Dilig.

Under the TWC, the role of FPA is to:

• Monitor the prices and sources of fertilizers;
• Provide the list of registered fertilizers, licensed handlers, product name, target crops, plant growth stage, and direction for use/application; and
• Provide database of available fertilizers per region.

FPA’s role in promoting BFS has been intensified as evident with the constant visitation and meet-ups with local farmers in different regions by Dr. Mula and the FPA Regional Units (RFUs). ###

Sources:

DA Special Order No. 295 S. 2022, AMENDMENT TO SPECIAL ORDER NO. 286, SERIES OF 2022, “Creation of Management and Working Committees for the Promotion and Implementation of Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFSJ”.

DA Special Order No. 286 S. 2022, Creation of Management and Working Committees for the Promotion and Implementation of Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS).

DA Memorandum Order No. 74 S. 2021, Sustaining Farm Productivity, Scaling Balanced Fertilization Using Fertilizer More Effectively, Applying Cost – Reducing Practices and Diversifying to Increase Income.

DA Memorandum Circular No. 20 S. 2020, Adoption of the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Management for Enhanced Crop Production and Increased Income for Rice Farmers.

ANTIQUE |April 5, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Western Visayas, in coordination with the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), convened with the Local Chief Executive and Farmers Association of Barangays Alingalan and Bangi of San Remegio, Antique on March 31, 2022.

The activity was headed by Dr. Myer Mula, SAAD National Director and FPA Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer. He was joined by Dominador Marquez, DA RFO VI Chief of Operations, and Noel Negre, FPA RFU VI Regional Officer, the SAAD and FPA Region VI Team.

One of the topics discussed during the meeting was the FPA’s resolve to be more proactive in promoting the balanced fertilization strategy (BFS) to help marginalized farmers to adopt a new technology that will satisfy the crop nutrient requirements and rebuild soil health through the use of both organic and inorganic nutrient sources.

Dr. Mula emphasized the importance of the BFS.  Provincial Officers Raymund Alfor and Rogelio Crespo also pitched in to impart their knowledge and practices with their self-developed technology concerning the BFS Program.

FPA Regional Officer Noel Negre presented to the group the FPA’s mandate and programs.  He also explained the reasons behind the abrupt increase in the price of agricultural inputs.  He added that the BFS program shall be integrated into the next training on the Safe Use and Handling of Fertilizers and Pesticides in Region VI.

The President of the Farmers Association and its members were pleased to learn about the government intervention program that augments their income.  They were also motivated to develop and replicate the BSF program and will happily share it with their neighboring counterparts. ###

ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE | April 5, 2022 – In cooperation with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer Myer Mula visited different commodity projects in the municipalities of Piñan and Mutia on April 04, 2022.

Along with FPA Zamboanga Peninsula ‘s team, Dr. Mula heard out the insights shared by the farmers regarding the volatility of fertilizer prices and the effects of it to their current lives.

In response, Dr. Mula informed them of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS), a current program of the Department of Agriculture, which involves the application of inorganic and organic fertilizer in the soil depending on the nutrients the soil needs. He further explained that BFS caters to specific crops, maintaining healthy soil and farm produce, which will result in lesser dependency and usage of imported fertilizer.

The FPA team lectured on the safe and effective use of fertilizer and pesticides. They also informed the attendees that a training workshop will be scheduled soon. The workshop shall focus on the responsible use of crop protection products and a step-by-step guide on BFS. The FPA Zamboanga Team was composed of Regional Officer Alex Paalisbo and Provincial Officers, Mark Bohol and Charlie Limbag.

Also present during the activity were Reynaldo Campomanes, the Chief of Field Operation Division of DA Region 9, George Vallente from APCO, Dave Gramatica, the SAAD Provincial Coordinator, and other SAAD Area Coordinators and Technical Staff, Local Municipal Agricultures Office Personnel and Staff, Social Workers and various members of the different Associations.

BENGUET | March 31, 2022 – FPA-CAR conducted several face-to-face Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) trainings for the month of March to address common and persistent violations of group businesses on fertilizer and pesticide marketing.

Five people from Baguio City and adjacent towns finished their ASD training at the FPA-CAR Regional Office on March 22-23. On March 28-29, another ASD training was performed, which trained 24 officers and members of Sto. Farmers’ Association of Nio (SANFA). With the help of Valap Corporation, the association arranged and supported the training.

Only after finishing the training and passing the FPA examination can handlers be registered. However, fertilizer and pesticide dealerships run by cooperatives, associations, or organizations, on the other hand, frequently shift their storekeepers or in-charge. To address this issue, FPA-CAR held ASD trainings for the entire group, cooperative, association, and organization. This will guarantee that the group’s ASD training and knowledge are maintained.

FPA-CAR will continue the onsite ASD training for new fertilizer and pesticide handlers groups. Old or existing fertilizer and pesticide handlers that cooperatives, associations, or organizations manage will be scheduled for a refresher course.

Moreover, in collaboration with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kabayan, Benguet, a municipal wide ASD training will be conducted on April 11-12, 2022 at Poblacion, Kabayan, Benguet. The activity is part of the LGU’s month-long celebration of agro-eco tourism month.

BENGUET | March 31, 2022 – Lusod, Kabayan gave a warm appreciation to the FPA-CAR, headed by Regional Officer Rogelio B. Tanguid and Provincial Officer Rowena F. Billig, last March 17-18, 2022 after the regional unit conducted a face-to-face Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training in the area.

Lusod, Kabayan is one of Benguet’s most remote barangays. The barangay is over eight hours away from Benguet’s capital on a dusty, narrow, and rugged route.

Despite this, 32 officers and members of the Lusod Agrarian Reform Community Multipurpose Cooperative (Lusod ARC MPC) participated in the training that the cooperative had organized and sponsored. The training grabbed the community’s interest because of the prospective market openings in La Trinidad, Benguet, and Nueva Vizcaya once the roads are open.

In his closing remarks, Lusod Barangay Secretary expressed his gratitude to the personnel of FPA-CAR for conducting such activity in their locality.

Lusod ARC MPC members who attended the training are expected to submit requirements for License to Operate as dealers of fertilizer and pesticide products, upon completion.