Author: ICTSadmin

DAVAO DEL SUR | October 18 & 20, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) joined the consultation meeting conducted in Brgy. Matti in Digos City (October 18, 2022), and Brgy. Leling in Hagonoy (October 20, 2022) to discuss the regulations governing mango spraying and the banning of some practices that affected the lives of the nearby communities.

During the meeting, the Local Government and FPA through Provincial Officer (PO) Imelda Q. Rasay initiated the reformatting of the Mango Spraying Standard Procedures by correcting the conventional and inappropriate ways of Mango Pest and Disease Control.

This is in response to the concern regarding the excessive use of chemical inputs for pest and disease control, the timing of application, inconsiderate application of pesticides among nearby communities in mango production, and amending the foregoing ordinance made by the Local Government Unit (LGU) banning mango spraying in residential areas.

PO Rasay cited the importance of the safe and judicious use of pesticides which could lessen the exposure of the chemical handlers as well as the residue and other measures to avoid pesticide drift/inhalation.

Throughout the dialogue, the officials agreed and implemented new guidelines for mango spraying, such as:

1. To sacrifice two (2) fruit trees that will not be sprayed but serve as a buffer zone;

2. Provide signages/notice of spraying schedules two (2) days ahead;

3. Use only Category 3 and 4 chemicals and choose lesser odor;

4. Use only chemicals registered by FPA (City Ag Technician will check/observe during one of their operations);

5. To observe time, weather, and wind velocity to avoid drift;

6. Plant trees to serve as buffers like calumpang and madre de cacao; and

7. To conduct an immediate half-day orientation seminar among mango spray men and the residents on the proper and safe use of pesticides scheduled on October 27, 2022, at the Brgy. Gym, Matti, Digos City, Davao del Sur.

Further, PO Rasay also reminded the sprayers to be aware of the hazards of using pesticides and safeguard themselves through the use of PPEs.

The next step of the dialogue is to conduct a half-day safety seminar for the farmers and residents informing them of their right to a clean air environment.

Overall, 23 participants were in attendance, including the Barangay LGU, City Agriculture, City Health, City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and FPA, together with the respondents, mango contractors, and residents of said barangays. ###

BOHOL | October 25, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Region 7 conducted a series of training on safe and judicious use of fertilizer and pesticide (F/P) to the three established Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) villages in Brgy. Buenos Aires, Carmen, Brgy. Paraiso, Mabini and Brgy. Taming, Danao in the province of Bohol last October 19-21, 2022.

During the training, Regional Officer Arnulfo Arausa, Jr. provided updates on the fertilizer price situation in the market. He then stressed the importance of adopting the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) by combining the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers to cut the cost of production while improving soil condition and quality of crops. The said strategy uses 4rs in Nutrient Stewardship concept: Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time and Right Place.

Provincial Officer (PO) Andy Cornell Bornillo refreshed the participants on the agency’s mission, mandate, scope of activities, powers and functions and shared valuable information on pesticide general information.

On the other hand, PO Jesus Muring discussed the proper and safe handling of pesticide and reminded the participants of the possible dangers if misused and handled incorrectly. He emphasized the importance of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) while handling pesticide.

In addition, PO Muring encouraged them to adopt the Integrated Pest Management Principles in crop production. The Integrated pest management (IPM) approach combines the use of biological, cultural and chemical practices to control insect pests.

FPA Region VII also gave out informational materials such as Gabay sa Tamang Paggamit ng Abono at Pestisidyo to the participants for additional references.

This training was in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture 7 and Bohol Agricultural Promotion Center thru Adoption and Mitigation Initiatives in Agriculture (AMIA) Program which aimed to increase the farmers’ level of awareness in the proper and responsible use of F/P. Ninety-eight (98) participants were in attendance. ###

DAVAO ORIENTAL | OCTOBER 18-20, 2022 – Fifty-four (54) dealers joined the 2-day cluster meeting initiated by the Davao Oriental Fertilizer and Pesticide Dealers Association Inc. (DOFPDA Inc.). The team visited Mati City and 11 other municipalities in Davao Oriental.

During the cluster meeting, Provincial Officer (PO) Junette Cano gave updates regarding fake, unregistered and off-specs fertilizer and pesticide products, and underweight fertilizers.

DOFPDA President Rolito B. Padpad and the rest of the officials discussed the agenda and encouraged all existing members of the association, especially the new ones, to establish close coordination with FPA and support the association’s goals and objectives.

The cluster meeting and visitation aim to maximize the presence of DOFPDA to all its members and for the association to grow. DOFPDA was established in 2018, with its official registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in January 2020.

Furthermore, the DOFPDA looks forward in conducting its General Assembly this coming December. ###

IGUIG, CAGAYAN | October 20, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority Provincial Officer (PO) Arwin Cardenas discussed the responsible use of agricultural pesticides with local farm technicians on October 19, 2022 at DA-SCRC, Minanga, Iguig, Cagayan as one of the partners in developing and training the farmers’ trainer.

During the discussion, PO Cardenas highlighted the importance of being a responsible user of pesticides. He emphasized that pesticides should and always be the last resort in combating pests on the farm.

“Every time we use pesticides, we should consider it always as toxic. Therefore, extra care should always be employed”, Mr. Cardenas said during his discussion.

PO Cadenas also reminded the participants of their roles as leaders and that the farmers in their area were looking up to them as their models. Hence, it was crucial to show them the principle of good agricultural practices.

Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) led and initiated this series of training that aims to capacitate trainers of farm schools, farmer-leaders, and other Extension Service Providers in the region.

There were more than 30 participants, including agricultural technicians, farmer leaders, and local farmer technicians. They will serve as agents of technology transfer to farmers to make them more competitive and develop skills in decision-making. ###