Category: Articles

LILOY, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE | August 25, 2022 – FPA Region 9 conducted information drive to around 80 farmers who attended the Farmers Day celebration organized by the LGU of Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte on August 16, 2022. The activity aims to educate the farmers on the different programs under the Department of Agriculture including the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS).

Mr. Dionn Bohol, FPA Provincial Officer, encouraged the participants to continue producing quality harvest through the effective and safe use of FPA registered agricultural inputs. He also informed them of the reasons behind high prices of fertilizers, which was observed to be their primary concern during the activity.

He suggested the application of BFS as an effective alternative to acquiring plant nutrients by not solely relying on inorganic fertilizers to lessen production cost.

“BFS applies the concept of 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent the decline in soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs,” Bohol explained.

Culminating the activity was the distribution of farm inputs (knapsack Sprayers, fertilizers, and seeds), and trade fair of local agri products, among others.

Also present during the activity were Center Dir. Alicia Rose Nebreja of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Region 9, Zanorte Mr. George Vallente from APCO, Mr. Ronaldo Barote of the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), a representative from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC), Hon. Feliciano Bolando of the Committee Chairman on Agriculture, Agricultural Pesticide Company (TagChem Dragon) and Animal Veterinary and Feed Companies.

The Agri Trade Fair Week was held from August 15- 22, 2022 in celebration of the 71st Araw ng Liloy. ###

DAVAO DEL SUR | AUGUST 22, 2022 – As FPA continues its commitment to provide awareness on the safe and judicious use of agricultural inputs, Provincial Officer (PO) Imelda Rasay discussed the safe, proper, and judicious use of crop protection during her guesting at DXKL 97.5 Radyo astig on August 12, 2022.

During the live broadcast, Ms. Rasay highlighted the importance of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), which include proper environmental management to safeguard workers’ health welfare. In addition, proper use and handling of agricultural inputs, proper wearing of PPEs, and the importance of pesticide label information were emphasized. 

She also reminded the listeners to always put the safety of the community as a top priority. “There should always be an equilibrium that would benefit both the safety of the community and agriculture without harming the health of the people,” Ms. Rasay said. 

The next episode on the safe and judicious use of fertilizers and pesticides will be broadcast on September 09, 2022. ###

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL | August 25, 2022 – FPA Region VI inspected of 193 fertilizer and pesticide products of Jynsonns Phils., Crown Agri Trading, DC Cruz Trading, and Triple J Agricultural Supply-Dealer in the province of Negros Occidental on August 16-18, 2022.

Using the mobile application developed by the FPA Information Technology Unit for product monitoring, the team counterchecked the products to determine their registration, compliance with FPA labeling requirements, and identify if the products are counterfeited and expired.

According to Mr. Noel Negre, FPA Region VI Regional Officer, the met with the dealers and handlers in the province to explain the purpose of activity and provide recommendations to ensure their compliance with FPA regulatory policies and guidelines.

A Notice of Violation (NoV) had been issued to the dealers for selling expired products and were advised to talk with their suppliers for pull out.

Moreover, they were directed to countercheck the product registration and license of their suppliers to ensure the legitimacy and safety of the products they sell.

FPA RFU VI continues to monitor all area and national distributors and provide them the list of all licensed dealers operating in Western Visayas. ###

PILI, CAMARINES SUR | August 24, 2022 – The FPA Bicol in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office V (DA-RFO5), Bicol Medical Center-Poison Control Center and Camsur Multi-Purpose Cooperative conducted the “Pesticide Training 101: Pesticide Safe Handling, Poison Prevention and Management” on August 23, 2022, at CDA Bldg., Airport Road, Pili, Camarines Sur.

This activity captures the mandates of FPA to protect the public from the inherent risks of pesticides, educate the farmers on the safe and judicious use of pesticides, and address food safety concerns under the OneDA approach.

The FPA Bicol team discussed general information on pesticides and their label, safe handling, storage, and disposal. On the other hand, the BMC-PCC team discussed the signs and symptoms of pesticide poisoning, management of pesticide poisoning cases, and prevention of pesticide poisoning.

Camsur MPC General Manager Ms. Annielen L. Panerio expressed her gratitude to FPA Bicol for selecting them as one of their partners and beneficiaries. “This training is imperative to them as Area Distributor of fertilizer and pesticide products, and they are the frontliners in catering these products to their farmer members,” she said.

Dr. Janeta B. Froyalde, Head of Bicol Medical Center – Poison Control Center, reminded the farmers to take precautions in handling pesticides since it is poisonous. They should also take care of themselves and their farm laborers since they have to prevent poisoning and ensure occupational safety on their farms.

FPA Bicol Regional Officer Mr. Gabriel B. Atole, in his closing remarks, extended his gratitude to the BMC-PCC, Camsur MPC, DA-RFO5, and farmers for successfully conducting the training. He challenged the participants to impart and practice what they have learned during the training and said that it is just the beginning of the partnership with different stakeholders and intensified information dissemination on the safe and judicious use of pesticides.

The activity was participated by 38 farmer beneficiaries of DA-RFO5 100 hectares Hybrid Rice Model Farm from Himaoo, Pili, Camarines Sur, and personnel of Camsur Multi-Purpose Cooperative. ### 

QUEZON CITY | August 25, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority maintained its ISO 9001:2015 QMS Certification as a result of the surveillance audit on August 16, 2022.

The certifying body, TUV Rheinland Philippines, Inc., conducted the onsite assessment at the FPA Central Office in Quezon City.

The scope of certification covers the provision of services for issuing licenses, registration, and permits on fertilizer, pesticide, and other agricultural chemicals. For this surveillance visit, processes of the FPA Top Management, Internal Quality Audit (IQA) Team, Pesticide Regulations Division (PRD), Fertilizer Regulations Division (FRD), Human Resource Section (HRS), Laboratory Services Division (LSD), and Planning, Management, and Information Division (PMID).

During the closing meeting, the audit team leader Ms. Rhene Rose Zara, together with co-auditor Mr. Hilario Capili, commended the Agency’s efforts to continually improve its system and processes by citing four (4) positive findings and four (4) opportunities for improvement. Overall, no nonconformities were raised either with minor nor major.

“We want to extend our appreciation and gratitude to all our hard-working employees who made this possible and to our valued stakeholders for their constant support,” Dr. Mula said.

With the continuation of certification, the agency is again recognized by the standard-setting body for its commitment to providing customers with the highest level of products and services within the organization’s policy and objectives.

The initial ISO 9001:2015 recognition was achieved in October 2018, covering one core function: issuing licenses, registrations, and permits on fertilizer through the Fertilizer Regulations Division (FRD). This was successfully maintained and expanded the scope of its ISO 9001:2015 recertification after passing the remote assessment by the certifying body last October 2021.

Quality Management System Committee (QMSC) Chairperson and Officer-in-Charge, Dr. Myer G. Mula, headed the FPA Management Team with Deputy Executive Director for Pesticide, Mr. Eric C. Divinagracia, Divisions Chiefs, and QMSC Secretariat. ###

DAVAO DEL NORTE | AUGUST 22, 2022 – Provincial Officer (PO) Cheery B. Agrade and PhilGAP XI conducted a two-day training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) last August 11-12, 2022, at Den’s Cafe in Panabo City.

PO Agrade discussed environmental management and workers’ health, safety, and welfare to 40 participants working in the banana industry.

In her discussion on environmental management, she tackled the potential environmental hazards or negative environmental impacts that occur on and off the property as a result of the production, harvesting, and postharvest handling of bananas.

On the other hand, for workers’ health, safety, and welfare, she pointed out steps for managing the risk of hazards. Some of the highlighted topics include identifying and assessing the risk and monitoring and reviewing of hazards.

Included also in the discussion were the proper use and handling of agricultural inputs, proper wearing of PPEs, and the importance of pesticide label information, including first aid management, Maximum Residue Limit (MRL), and Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI). ###

CAMALIG, ALBAY | August 19, 2022 – FPA Bicol conducted an Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training to 28 participants held at Albay Provincial Agriculture Office (APAO), Cabangan, Camalig, Albay on August 17-18, 2022.

During her welcome message, OIC-Provincial Agriculturist Rosalinda B. Belodo said, “ASD training is essential to dealers for them to have a knowledge on fertilizer and pesticide products that they are selling to the farmers.”

FPA Bicol Regional Officer Gabriel B. Atole introduced the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority to the participants and briefly discussed the reasons behind the fertilizer price hike. He also emphasized the role of ASD personnel as frontline to farmers purchasing fertilizer and pesticide products.

The topics discussed by the Provincial Officers (POs) during the first day were all about pesticides: General Information on Pesticides and its Label, Pesticide Safe Handling, Storage and Transport, Pesticide Poisoning and First Aid, Understanding Integrated Pest Management Concept, and Insecticide Resistance Management. Furthermore, on the second day, the topics were about fertilizers: Soil, Fertilizer, and Plant Growth, Types of Fertilizer and Plant Growth Promoters, Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) Program, and Fertilizer Handling and Storage. 

The licensing requirements and good housekeeping were also discussed so that the dealers can prepare the license applications and comply with the FPA good housekeeping requirements during the inspection of FPA personnel. 

The team reminded the dealers to purchase only FPA registered fertilizer and pesticide products from FPA-licensed handlers. Also, the participants were informed of the fake circulating specifications of fertilizers. In case of doubt about their purchased fertilizer and pesticide products, they can contact the assigned Provincial Officer in their area and visit the FPA and FPA Region V facebook page for more information.

Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) refers to an individual who attended the 2-day training conducted by FPA and passed the examinations administered by the Regional Field Units (RFUs). They must be present at the store during business hours to properly dispense fertilizer and pesticide products to farmers and supervise, advise, and assist buyers on the safe handling and storage of agricultural inputs.

The participants were dealers from Albay who complied with the previously issued Notice of Violation (NoV) and dealers from Sorsogon and Camarines Sur. 

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

TABINA, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR | August 22, 2022 – FPA RFU IX discussed the current fertilizer situation in the country and promoted the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) during the Agri-Fishery week held last August 8-12, 2022, at Tabina, Zamboanga Del Sur.

Regional Officer (RO) Alex Paalisbo led the presentation regarding the increasing fertilizer prices. In his discussion, he emphasized that the global crisis is due to the rising prices of fuel, the Ukraine-Russian conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, most fertilizer exporting countries prioritize their local distribution over exportation.

It is worth noting that the country has been for a long-time a net importer of fertilizers. About 90% of the country’s needs for fertilizer are mostly imported from China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In addition, some are being imported from Qatar, Canada, Korea, and the Middle East, while local production accounts for only 10% of the country’s fertilizer supply.

To address the issue, the Department of Agriculture promoted the BFS. BFS is a program that

includes the FPA and other DA agencies involved in farming. The idea of the program is to institutionalize the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and other forms of strategies (i.e., green manuring or cover cropping, individual farm soil fertility maps, diversifying and improving cropping system, etc.) to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while maintaining soil

structure and fertility.

The said strategy applies the 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent the decline in soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

Additionally, the team discussed the safe and judicious use of pesticides and taught the participants how to properly use the pesticides to prevent contamination and poisoning.

The Agri-Fishery week was spearheaded by the Municipal Government of Tabina, Zamboanga Del Sur, Mayor Anthony Dayondon, through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist, Mr. Joy Patian. A total of 200 farmers from different barangays attended the said event. ### 

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, CAVITE | August 10, 2022 – FPA-Cavite Provincial Officer (PO) Allan Jade V. Rojo and Regional Officer (RO) Suzettie M. Alcaide served as resource speakers during the first day of a week-long training entitled “Capability Enhancement Course for Agriculture Extension Workers (AEWs): Approaches to Integrate Nutrient Management for Rice” on August 8, 2022, in Trece Martires City, Cavite. The said training was conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute IV-A (ATI IV-A) for twenty-five (25) AEWs in CALABARZON.

PO Rojo discussed the functions of the FPA and provided updates on the FPA’s policies, plans, and programs. Further, he explained the reasons for the increasing prices of fertilizers. He highlighted that the global fertilizer crisis is due to the rising prices of fuel, the Ukraine-Russian conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, most fertilizer exporting countries prioritize their local distribution over exportation.

On the other hand, RO Suzettie M. Alcaide discussed the implementation of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS). BFS is a program initiated by the Department of Agriculture that pushes for the use of combined organic and inorganic inputs and other forms of strategy to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while promoting balanced fertilization in maintaining soil fertility.

RO Alcaide discussed the four strategies in BFS; 1. Soil Testing and Soil Fertility Map, 2. Integrated Nutrient Management, 3. Cropping System, and 4. Fertilizer Best Management Practices.

She emphasized the need to apply the 4Rs in fertilization: Right source, Right Placement, Right amount, and Right rate. This shall enhance soil health and productivity, prevent the decline in soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability while minimizing the cost of production.

During the open forum, several issues were raised by the participants, such as the proliferation of fake fertilizers and off-specifications products, which are sold at a very high cost but with minimal or no effect on the crop. RO Alcaide discussed with the AEWs that FPA has already informed the public about these fake fertilizers. “We are strictly monitoring and working closely with the fertilizer handlers to address the issues,” RO Alcaide said.

Moreover, FPA issued a suspension order to local fertilizer manufacturers who are found to be non-compliant with FPA rules and regulations, specifically, those who have products that are below the minimum declared guaranteed analysis. These local manufacturers are now ordered to recall or pull out their products in the market and provided with other corrective actions that they should undertake.

RO Alcaide asked the AEWs to help FPA inform the public to report and refrain from patronizing the alleged fake products and off-specs products to combat its proliferation. ###

ALICIA, ISABELA | August 11, 2022 – FPA Region II, PNP-CIDG Region II, Alicia MPS, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and NS Continental conducted a joint entrapment operation to individuals who are selling and distributing alleged counterfeit fertilizers in Cagayan Valley on August 8, 2022, at Brgy. Callao, Alicia, Isabela.

On July 13, 2022, a representative of the NS Continental reported to FPA Region II an alleged selling of counterfeit fertilizers 14-14-14 Sunrise Planters product. As a result, Regional Officer (RO) Leonardo A. Bangad and the rest of the FPA team in Region II investigated, collected samples, and conducted case building on the alleged suspects.

Upon receiving the analysis result on August 5, 2022, the FPA Region II and NS Continental coordinated with the PNP-CIDG Region II, Santiago Field Unit, to plan an operation and apprehend the said individuals. 

On August 8, 2022, the “Oplan Mega Shopper” operation was carried out, resulting in the arrest of five persons. The PNP-CIDG Region II also seized 120 sacks of allegedly counterfeit 14-14-14 Sunrise fertilizer, 20 sacks of allegedly counterfeit 16-20-0 Sunrise Planters fertilizer, two pieces of one-thousand peso bills placed on top and bottom of a bundle of boodle money, 294 pieces of one-thousand peso bill boodle money used in an entrapment operation, two pieces of android cellphones, and one unit Isuzu aluminum van truck.

Moreover, PNP-CIDG Region II conducted an inventory of the confiscated pieces of evidence in the area of operation witnessed by Brgy. Kag. Warlito Dumo and Chief Tanod Rogelio Mata.

Arrested individuals were brought to CIDG Santiago City FU for documentation, proper disposition, and filing of charges for violations of RA 7394, RA 8293, and PD 1144. ###