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BATANGAS | September 27, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Officer-in-Charge Dr. Myer G. Mula supervised the inspection and random weighing of three (3) fertilizer handlers in Batangas last September 20, 2022.

As part of the intensive monitoring to address the ongoing issue of fake/unsound fertilizers, the team inspected two (2) major importer warehouses in Bauan and San Pascual and one (1) dealer in Lipa City, Batangas.

Before the actual weighing of bags, Dr. Mula briefed the establishments’ representatives and explained that some reports of under-weight fertilizers were circulating in the market that affected the farmers.

Following the FPA’s sampling method, the team found that around 28-37% of the total sampled products from both importers’ warehouses were under-weight. The lowest weight recorded was 49.54 kg for a 50-kg fertilizer bag. Meanwhile, 20% of the samples in the dealer’s store were also under-weight.

Though the team recognized that handlers received their stocks as is, Dr. Mula reiterated that farmers purchased fertilizers in bags. Therefore, each bag should conform according to the standard. As a corrective action, under-weight bags will be subjected to re-bagging and shall be supervised by FPA personnel.

The data generated from the weighted sampling will be analyzed and reported to the Fertilizer Industry Association of the Philippines (FIAP).

FPA RFU IV Regional Officer Ms. Suzettie M. Alcaide and Batangas Provincial Officer Georlene P. Orbista assisted with the visit. ###

ISABELA PROVINCE | September 22, 2022 – Provincial Officer (PO) Noel A. Baliuag, Jr. and Provincial Agriculturist Marites Frgoso inspected the DTD Agricultural Organiques in Brgy. Bagong Silang, Ilagan, Isabela last September 21, 2022.

During the inspection, the team monitored 28,000 pcs. of 50-kilogram fertilizer bags in their warehouse and observed that the said company has the potential to be a source of quality organic fertilizer. However, the said organic fertilizer should be registered under the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) who are mandated under the organic law RA 10068 and 11511.

DDT Agricultural Organiques, owned and managed by Mr. Aladin Puno, is a well-known organic fertilizer producer in the province. The inspection was conducted to determine its capacity and capability to produce organic fertilizer of good quality and quantity, following the plans of the local government of Isabela to search for manufacturers in the province that could support and promote the Balance Fertilization Strategy (BFS) program of the Department of Agriculture.

BFS is a program recommended by FPA and other DA agencies that applies the 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent declining soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs. It also aimed to address the ongoing price hikes of fertilizer in the market.

The Bidding and Awards Committee (BAC) of the LGU of Isabela will determine the procurement and supplier of organic fertilizers for the program based on the result of the inspections. ###

SILANG, CAVITE | September 21, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority Provincial Officer (FPA PO) Allan Jade Rojo promoted the implementation of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) as a resource speaker during the Capability Enhancement Course for Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) at Teofely Nature Farm, Silang, Cavite last September 19-22, 2022.

In his discussion, PO Rojo emphasized that BFS was a program initiated by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and aimed 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.

He also pointed out 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,” he said.

Additionally, PO Rojo highlighted the four (4) strategies in BFS:

1. Soil Testing and Soil Fertility Map; 

2. Integrated Nutrient Management;

3. Cropping System, and;

4. Fertilizer Best Management Practices.

As for the concerns with the increasing prices of fertilizers, PO Rojo explained that the Philippines is highly dependent on importation and the increase in petroleum products prices were factors influencing the price. Additionally, the competency in getting supplies is quite high because most fertilizer producers prioritized their local distribution over exportation.

During the training, PO Rojo also discussed the functions of FPA and presented the list of fertilizer handlers with suspension orders on their License to Operate (LTO). He asked for the help of AEWs and the member agencies to disseminate the information to the farmers.

The said training focused on approaches to Integrated Nutrient Management for rice and was conducted by Agricultural Training Institute IV-A (ATI IV-A). 25 AEWs from DA Regional Field Office IV-A and attached agencies attended the course. ###

OCCIDENTAL MINDORO | September 20, 2022 – Provincial Officer (PO) Froilan T. Bañaga witnessed the pullout of 206 bags of Mixgrow Fertilizer of Abominar Mixgrow Fertilizer Manufacturing from BUKAL Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Brgy. Buenavista, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro on September 16, 2022.

As one of the several local manufacturers of fertilizers who were given suspension orders to their License to Operate (LTO) and Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) due to violations involving the distribution of their off-specifications products, the company has to pull out said product from the market and make the corrective actions as specified in the order within 2 months.

Mr. Ronniel B. Cruz, the representative from Abominar Mixgrow, initiated and coordinated the pullout, together with Ms. Eugenia L. Viaña of the cooperative, for the turn-over of the product. As a result, the bags of fertilizer will be returned to the manufacturer in Nueva Ecija.

The activity is in line with the strengthened monitoring and coordination efforts of the FPA Regional Field Units, particularly in quality control. ###

DIPLAHAN, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY | September 20, 2022 – Provincial Officer (PO) Charlie D. Limbag served as a resource speaker at the Package of Technology (POT) training at Sampoli B. Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay, on September 16, 2022.

PO Limbag discussed some tips on minimizing fertilizer costs through the Balance Fertilization Strategy (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 declining soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

In addition, PO Limbag encouraged the farmers to use a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers, including bio-fertilizers, foliar spray fertilizers, and other sources of plant nutrients. He also reminded them to use PPEs every time they use such crop protection products and observe proper handling during mixing and application to avoid possible hazards they might acquire.

As part of FPA’s mandate, PO Limbag further promoted responsible and proper empty pesticide container disposal to protect the public from the inherent risks in the use of pesticides and maintain a sustainable and sound environment.

The training was attended by 37 rice farmers and was organized with the help of Aldiz Incorporated. ###

MARAGUSAN, DAVAO DE ORO | September 16, 2022 – Sixty (60) indigenous farmers from the Mandaya tribe attended the Package of Technology (POT) training on vegetable production at Brgy. Langgawisan Function Hall, Maragusan, Davao De Oro on September 16, 2022.

The training emphasized the proper application of fertilizer and pesticides (f/p), disposal of empty pesticide containers, and the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) in accordance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). It also aimed to update and enhance the awareness and knowledge of indigenous farmers on the GAP from their current conventional type of farming.

Provincial Officer (PO) Rustom Gain Tanduyan discussed the topics involving Environmental Management and Worker’s Health, Safety and Welfare, and BFS.

He also explained the reasons behind the fertilizer price increase. In his discussion, he highlighted that the global fertilizer crisis is due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on travel and shipping, high fuel prices in the global market, prioritization of fertilizer-producing countries for local distribution, and the Russian-Ukraine war.

PO Tanduyan also reminded the farmers to be vigilant of the proliferation of fake fertilizers and pesticides and to only patronize legit fertilizer and pesticide products from FPA-licensed dealers.

The program was organized by the Provincial Agriculture’s Office under the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), headed by Ms. Jesyl P. Gutierrez, together with the Maragusan Agriculture’s Office Mr. Jomen Balico and Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority Provincial Officer Mr. Rustom Gain Tanduyan. ###

CAGAYAN VALLEY | September 16, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Officer-in-Charge Dr. Myer G. Mula conducted series of ocular inspections of seven (7) fertilizer and pesticide (f/ap) handlers in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela on September 13-15, 2022.

Together with FPA Region II personnel headed by Regional Officer (RO) Leonardo A. Bangad, Dr. Mula inspected Alpachem Corporation in Solano, Greenball Agri-trading Corporation, and Malabing Valley Cooperative in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya. He also visited NS Continental, Aljay Agrosolutions, Grupo Allied in Santiago City, and Asia Gold in Alicia, Isabela.

In addition, Dr. Mula talked to the owners and highlighted the ongoing issue of fake and unregistered fertilizer while emphasizing the importance of following the FPA standards in lieu of underweight fertilizers. The team later conducted test weights, and they found that some fertilizers were underweight and needed to be corrected. Owners explained that weighing is done by trucking scale and not per bag. In response, Dr. Mula reiterated that farmers buy fertilizers in bags not by volume thus emphasizing the value of money that farmers get. In this case, Regional Field Offices should orient farmers to purchase the fertilizers that are not underweight.

Dr. Mula assured to raise the issue of underweight fertilizers with the Fertilizer Industry Association of the Philippines (FIAP) and provide immediate action. The visit was in accordance with FPA’s mandate to assure the farmers of adequate supplies of f/ap at reasonable prices and rationalize the manufacture and marketing of fertilizer.

Cagayan Valley was the top producer of corn and second for rice next to the National Capital Region. It is known for its vast area of rice and corn, having a harvested area of 631,121.35 and 432,924.46 hectares for the cropping year 2021, respectively. Having that said, Region II requires a voluminous supply of fertilizers to support and meet the needs of the farmers. ###

BENGUET | September 16, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority – Cordillera Administrative Region (FPA-CAR) revisited the Caliking Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (CFMPC) to provide a refresher course on proper dispensing and effective use of fertilizer and pesticide (f/p) products on September 16, 2022, at CFMPC training hall, Camp 30 Caliking, Atok, Benguet.

Provincial Officer (PO) Rowena F. Billig led the program through the assistance of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) – Benguet Province. Through this, FPA-CAR aimed to expedite and explore partnerships with various agencies from the government and private sectors to reach out to the f/p dispensers and farmers in their areas.

The refresher course for the licensed handlers of f/p products is necessary to assure their continuous compliance as dispensers, especially since some stores frequently change staff. Moreover, the activity served as an avenue to raise their concerns relative to fertilizer and pesticide industry.

CFMPC has been a licensed dealer of FP products since April 26, 2016, and they have been compliant with good housekeeping and other rules and regulations. The cooperative has been servicing 851 individuals and over fifty-nine percent (59%) of the members are dealing with a vegetable production.

CFMPC is one of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBO) of DAR- Benguet. Under the DAR’s program on Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project (CRFPSP), CFMPC was awarded one hauling truck and farm input support amounting to more than one hundred thousand pesos as part of their sustainable livelihood support. Hence, a discussion on climate was also included in the activity.

A total of 31 officers and members of the CFMPC attended the activity. ###

DAVAO CITY | September 14, 2022 – Fifty-four (54) participants from different provinces in Davao Region and outside Region XI attended the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) on September 14 at Roadway Inn, J.P. Laurel Ave., Bajada, Davao City.

Regional Officer (RO) Marrisa G. Napalit gave an overview of the ASD training. While Deputy Executive Director for Pesticide, Mr. Eric C. Divinagracia, graced the program with a short inspirational message for the participants.

The team also discussed the Agency’s mandates and its enforcement regulations on processes, violations, proper handling, packaging, and storage of fertilizers. Soil, fertilizer, plant growth, and management in case of pesticide poisoning were also discussed.

In addition, Syngenta Product Stewardship Manager Ms. Catherine Sumagaysay explained the topics on safe handling of pesticides and the other technical aspects such as Mode of Action (MOA) Classification, Insecticide Resistance Action Committees (IRAC), and Fungicide Resistance Action Committees (FRAC).

ASD training is one of the requirements for the License to Operate (LTO) as a dealer. It refers to an individual who attended the 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 FPA team was headed by FPA Deputy Executive Director for Pesticide Mr. Eric C. Divinagracia and RO Marrisa G. Napalit, together with POs Ms. Cheery B. Agrade. Mr. Rustom Gain Tanduyan, Mr. Louie Palarao, and Ms. Junette A. Cano. ###

ILOILO | September 19, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Region VI conducted a massive products validation and inspection of good housekeeping practices to all national and area distributors of pesticides in Iloilo last September 15-16, 2022.

The team inspected the proper storage of products and record of inventories, adherence to standard practice, and facilities in handling pesticides. Further, the presence of appropriate tools/gadgets to contain spillage of toxic materials and maintaining cleanliness and orderliness were included during the inspection.

In addition, the team validated 516 brands of pesticides, of which 410 or 79.46% were found with updated registration, while 106 or 20.78% were still for revalidation throughout Western Visayas.

The regional unit carefully examined the label, which included the registration number, approved crops and pests, the expiration date of registration, active ingredients, and concentration based on their registration data with FPA.

The inspection was enforced following the Agency’s mandate of assuring the farmers of quality agricultural inputs and aimed to intensify the protection of our farmers against fraudulent products that are unregistered, tampered with, counterfeit, off-specification, and mislabeled.

“The handlers must adhere to FPA standards and guidelines, especially on good housekeeping and proper product storage. This will ensure that our farmers will get high-quality fertilizers and pesticides,” Mr. Barrida said.

The team is composed of FPA POs Mr. Emanuel Barrida, Mr. Ryan Gelladula, Mr. Raymund Alfor, and FPA Regional Officer Mr. Noel Negre. ###