Author: ICTSadmin

DIPOLOG CITY | March 2, 2023 – Twenty (20) owners and storekeepers in Region IX joined the recently concluded 2-day Accreditation Safety Dispenser (ASD) training for fertilizer and pesticide in Top Plaza Hotel, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte last February 27-28, 2023.

The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Region IX, headed by Regional Officer (RO) Alex Paalisbo, introduced the FPA mandates and regulations for fertilizer and pesticides and prepared various topics for the entire course.

To enhance the participants’ understanding of fertilizer, Provincial Officer (PO) Michael Tuico discussed the soil conditions and plant growth, while PO Kim Alfuente trained them on the proper handling and storage.

The team also promoted the Balance Fertilization Strategy (BFS) to lessen the dependency on imported inorganic fertilizer amidst the price hike. This strategy uses the 4Rs in Fertilization – Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate – to enhance soil health and productivity, prevent declining soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

In addition, PO Charlie Limbag and Mark Bohol highlighted the importance of product labels and proper dispensing of pesticides to avoid dangerous implications in mishandling the products.

All exercises were designed to enable storekeepers and owners when assisting customers in the safe use of these agricultural inputs. ###

IGUIG, CAGAYAN | March 2, 2023 – 45 individuals attended the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training conducted by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Cagayan Valley last March 1-2, 2023, at DA-SCRC, Minanga, Iguig, Cagayan.

The participants were dealers caught selling fertilizer and pesticide (F/P) products without accreditation during inspections and other aspiring individuals who wanted to venture into F/P dealerships from different municipalities of Cagayan, Quirino, and Isabela.

As a prerequisite in securing a license to operate, the ASD training focuses on safe handling, general information on F/P products, poisoning, first aid management, and regulations administered by FPA.

“I want to emphasize that this training will serve as a tool for you to educate our farmers. You are our partners, our frontliners in helping the farmers,” said Regional Officer (RO) Leonardo Bangad during his opening message.

Provincial Officer (PO) Henry Cayaban, Jr. emphasized the importance of reading the pesticide labels and awareness of knowing the expiry date of pesticide products. He taught them to look for the manufacturing date if the expiry date is not imprinted on the label.

Moreover, a representative from Corteva Agriscience discussed the pesticide mode of action and insect resistance management with the participants.

Participants then raised concerns about fake and unregistered F/P products. As a response, PO Roselle Anne Jose informed that the agency is closely monitoring the establishments, but they may report suspicious products circulating in the market.

After the discussion, an examination was given to the participants for their certificate of attendance. The results of the exam will be posted in the coming days. ###