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NEGROS OCCIDENTAL | June 29, 2022 – Deputy Executive Director (DED) of Fertilizer Dr. Myer Mula and Provincial Officer (PO) Francis Felimon Villamon discussed the current fertilizer situation to 183 farmers in Negros Occidental during the 3-day activity together with the Special Area for Agricultural Development Program (SAAD).

As the Philippines imports 90% of its fertilizers, global issues greatly affect its market price. Worldwide concerns such as the restrictions brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukraine war, and the rising fuel prices limited the country’s access to fertilizer.

As a form of response to the issue, PO Villamon encouraged the practice of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS). This strategy would improve soil fertility and structure through an appropriate combination of inorganic and organic fertilizers, and other means like green manuring.

However, to make BFS effective, the soil should be tested to determine which fertilizers are needed since various soils have varying nutrient content.  

Moreover, Dr. Mula advised the farmers to utilize organic fertilizers by using their farm wastes, such as chicken manure and leguminous crops as a possible substitute for inorganic fertilizers. This will lessen the dependency on imported fertilizer, thus reducing the production cost.

Attendees of the activity were members of the following farmer associations:

• Pandanon Integrated Upland Small Farmers’ Association (PIUSFA)
• Barangay Ani-e Small Farmers’ Association (BASFA)
• Sagasa Integrated Fisherfolk’s Association (SASIFA)
• Mahilum Owakon Basag Corn Farmers’ Association (MOBACFA)
• Barangay Bandila Canubgan Farmers’ Association (BBCAFA)

The farmer associations were encouraged to become fertilizer and pesticide dealers for a collective acquisition of agricultural inputs and generation of income.  ###

DAVAO DEL SUR | June 28, 2022 – Thirty-eight (38) mango contractors and growers attended the third wave of FPA Davao Region’s (RFU 11) Mango Contractors Training held at the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Function Hall Bldg., Office of the Provincial Agriculturist Compound, Digos City, Davao del Sur.

The training is designed to lecture handlers on the correct use of potassium nitrate as a mango flower inducer and develop an awareness of the safe and judicious use of fertilizers and pesticides.

PO Napalit discussed the Presidential Decree (P.D.) 1144, including the creation, duties, responsibilities, and rules & regulations of FPA. “FPA was created to regulate fertilizer importation, manufacture, formulation, distribution, delivery, sale, transport and storage as well as pesticide labeling, distribution, storage, transportation, use, and disposal”, Napalit emphasized.

PO Rustom Gain Tanduyan tackled the Executive Order (E.O.) 522 of the PNP-FEO, M.C. 93-05 covering the FPA rules and regulations governing the mango industry, and acquisition of use of nitrates. He explained that Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃) has inherent qualities beneficial to flower-inducing for mango and other crops. However, KNO₃ and other nitrates are substances which are found to be potentially carcinogenic and can be used for explosives. Therefore, importation, sale, possession and use of these chemicals are restricted and subject to strict supervision by the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Lastly, PO Imelda Rasay discussed the recognition & first aid management of pesticide poisoning cases. She reminded the participants that wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can reduce contact to poison or other harmful chemicals of pesticides. PO Rasay also cited some signs and symptoms of pesticide poisoning:

• General – extreme weakness and fatigue
• Skin – irritation, burning, excessive sweating, staining
• Eyes – itching, burning, watering, difficult or blurred vision, narrowed, or widened pupils
• Digestive system – burning in the mouth and throat, extreme salivation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea
• Nervous system – headaches, dizziness, confusion, restlessness, muscle twitching, staggering gait, slurred speech, fits, unconsciousness
• Respiratory system – cough, chest pain and tightness, difficulty in breathing, wheezing

When applying first aid, the following should be kept in mind:

• Speed is essential
• Act calmly and methodologically
• Avoid contamination of oneself while attending to the victim
• Keep the patient calm and strictly at rest

Ms. Rasay also discussed Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) as an alternative measure to lessen the dependence on imported and inorganic fertilizers. BFS is OneDA’s response to the increasing fertilizer prices. It is the use of combined organic and inorganic inputs to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while maintaining soil fertility.

Agway Chemicals Corp. discussed the remaining technical topics, including plant nutrition, the correct use of mango flower inducer, cultural practices, insect pests, disease management, pesticide information, classification, safe use in mango production, Mode of Action (MOA) Classification, Insecticide Resistance Action Committees (IRAC) and Fungicide Resistance Action Committees (FRAC).

The newly trained participants will be eligible to apply for a License to Operate (LTO). ###

ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE | June 29, 2022 – To protect the public from the risk inherent in the use of pesticide and to educate the agricultural sector in the use of agricultural inputs, FPA Zamboanga Peninsula conducted a training on Safe, Responsible and Effective Use of Agricultural inputs to 40 farmers in Tuburan, Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte last June 28, 2022.

Provincial Officer (PO) Dionn Mark Bohol emphasized that farmers must be aware of proper labels in pesticide products to ensure that they are not fake.  The product labels should include: Statement of composition by percentage

• Registration or provisional permit number
• Name and address of the holder
• Common name
• Net contents, in metric unit
• Adequate directions on methods of usage and time of application
• Warnings and cautionary statements, including symptoms of poisoning and first aid treatment measures
• Indications of hazards, including appropriate photo warnings
• Instructions concerning decontamination and safe disposal
• Label claims, if any
• Lot number and year of formulation
• Further statements prescribed by any other government instrumentality (Greenbook, 2020).

PO Bohol encouraged the need to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times when handling pesticide. Wearing PPE prevents the staff from inhaling, absorbing, or prolong contact with harmful chemicals in pesticides.

He also promoted the adoption of Balanced Fertilization Strategy for a safe, sustainable, and productive farming.

BFS is the combination of 4Rs (Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate) when applying fertilizer. This strategy ensures that the correct concentration and nutrients required by the soil and the crop are applied. Thus, it assures the quality of crops and improves soil health.

The training was in coordination with Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Zamboanga del Norte. ###

DAVAO DEL SUR | June 22, 2022 – FPA strengthened its promotion of the Agency’s programs and activities by giving technical assistance and distributing IEC campaign materials on fertilizer and pesticide during the celebration of “Araw ng Matanao” in Davao del Sur last June 17 to 22, 2022.

Promoting ABCRIS Enterprise and its partners was one of the main points of the event, which included the distribution of promotional materials by Provincial Officer (PO), Municipal Agriculturist (MA), SB member Maniapao, and private partners from ABCRIS Enterprise. In addition, samples of foliar fertilizer were given to 48 farmers.

Free on-site consultations were offered to farmers who wanted to learn more about FPA’s activities and initiatives. PO Rasay focused her lectures on the safe and judicious use of agricultural inputs.

As an attached agency to the Department of Agriculture (DA), the FPA has the mandate to assure the agricultural sector of adequate supplies of fertilizer and pesticides at reasonable prices, rationalize the manufacture and marketing, and protect the public from the risks inherent in the use of pesticides, and educating the agricultural sector in the use of these inputs which is in line of this said activity. ###

BENGUET | June 28, 2022 – Forty-four (44) agrarian reform beneficiaries (AFBs) from the municipalities of Togoy, Baayan, Tublay, Benguet successfully completed the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training and as such, they will now be the new partners of FPA in the province in ensuring the safe and judicious use of fertilizer and pesticide products.

Of the 44 AFBs, 18 were from Balayan Farmers Credit Cooperative (BFCC), while 26 participants were from Togoy Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (TFMPC).

Requested by the Department of Agrarian Reform-Benguet Office, the training was facilitated by FPA-CAR Regional Officer Rogelio Tanguid and Benguet Provincial Officer Rowena Billig on June 22-23, 2022.  The FPA rules and regulations and good agricultural practices were introduced. They also discussed the importance of soil analysis for the growth of plants and application of proper fertilizer. Added to the discussion is the promotion on the application of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS).

BFS is a program initiated by the Department of Agriculture, FPA and other attached agencies in response to the rising fertilizer prices. It is the maximum utilization of fertilizer by applying the right amount of the appropriate nutrient needed by the soil.

Additionally, FPA informed the participants that proper labelling and packing of pesticide containers should be maintained to avoid accidental leakage or transport hazards. Storage of pesticide products should be in optimum conditions, regularly checked and maintained, and activities concerning the product should be recorded. ###

QUEZON CITY | June 27, 2022 – In accordance with the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) aim to institutionalize the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA), Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) and other DA attached regulatory agencies proposed a three-year project on the adoption of Good Regulatory Practices (GRP) last June 23-24, 2022 during a two-day virtual workshop.

The workshop was attended by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS), National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), National Dairy Authority (NDA), and FPA.

RIA is a systematic and critical approach in assessing the effects of proposed and existing regulations and non-regulatory alternatives. The institutionalization of RIA within the concerned agencies to craft better and sound regulations for the concerned stakeholders. This shall ensure that regulatory capability, effectiveness, efficiency, consultation, accountability, assessment methods, and coordination with other agencies and companies are improved when facilitating trade and market access.

Guided by Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) Consultant Ms. Dominique Lam, the regulatory offices came up with 3 proposals:

1. To pilot RIA in the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) to achieve successful change in one agency;
2. To conduct RIA training in all agencies to benefit all DA agencies; and
3. To adopt operational GRP networks to bring the DA regulators together

For the RIA training in all agencies, the following activities were proposed:

• Consultation workshop with DA
• Stakeholder workshop
• Study visit to Malaysia
• Trainings and seminars
• Guidance and advice on policy manual

For the establishment of GRP Network, the following activities were planned:

• Agreement of the Terms of Reference,
• Organization of networking events
• Documentation and sharing of success stories within DA agencies
• Workshop for Industry Stakeholders

A department wide RIA Committee is also proposed to be created, composed of principals and representative from different agencies. Moreover, regular meetings will be conducted by RIA Core Groups across agencies for updates and other concerns.

The workshop was initiated by BAFS, headed by Assistant Director Mary Grace Mandigma and representatives from Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and NDA.

FPA Committee on Anti-Red Tape (CART) representatives consisted of Ms. Maria Theresa Oliveros, Ms. Rowena Reyes, Ms. Mirasol Bacarisas, Ms. Jessica Kay Puno, Mr. Edward Allen Calapatia, Mr. Jesson Garcia, and Mr. Angelo Bugarin.

The project proposal is due for submission to STDF on June 30, 2022. ###

Sources:

Kirkpatrick, C; Parker, D. (2003). Regulatory Impact Assessment: Developing Its Potential for Use in Developing Countries. https://www.ombudsman.gov.ph/UNDP4/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/RegulatoryImpact_Parker.pdf

Anti-Red Tape Authority. Regulatory Impact Assessment Manual. https://arta.gov.ph/riamanual/

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Regulatory Impact Assessment. https://www.oecd.org/regreform/regulatory-policy/ria.htm#:~:text=Regulatory%20impact%20assessment%20(RIA)%20is,encompasses%20a%20range%20of%20methods.

Standards and Trade Development Facility. Preparation Grants. https://www.standardsfacility.org/projectpreparationgrants?field_region_tid_i18n=1927&field_status_value_i18n=All&field_sector_value_i18n=All&field_tr_beneficiaries_tid=&fbclid=IwAR2QXEr_ymAjH73iDObXlF-EgougkETBHCfIcv5IkWqjeEijvGUNtEN7aMA

PAGADIAN CITY | June 27, 2022 – To strengthen partnership with stakeholders in promoting safe and responsible use of agricultural pesticides, FPA Zamboanga Peninsula oriented 25 Pesticide Field Technicians and company representatives in Zamboanga del Sur at Springland Resort, Pagadian City on June 23, 2022.

The activity aims to orient company frontline workers on FPA mandates and functions, and give updates on the Agency’s guidelines especially product stewardship.

Regional Officer Alex Paalisbo discussed the role of FPA in agriculture and its mandates namely: assure the agricultural sector of adequate supplies of fertilizer and pesticide at reasonable prices, rationalize the manufacture and marketing of fertilizer, protect the public from risks inherent in the use of pesticides, and educate the agricultural sector in the use of these inputs (FPA Mandate).

Provincial Officer (PO) of Zamboanga Sibugay Charlie Limbag tackled the general information on pesticides including the legal basis and definition of pesticides. According to PD 1144, pesticides mean any substance or product intended to control, prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate any pest, whether indirectly or directly. He also identified the different classifications of pesticides and products.

PO of Zamboanga del Norte Dionn Mark Bohol enumerated the requirements for product registration. He also discussed the process flow of registration and the proper labeling requirements. Labels should be provided with readily-understood information on:

• Content of the container and the purpose for which it may be used
• Direction on how to use the pesticide
• Hazards of the pesticide and appropriate precautions to take in its storage, handling and use
• Symptoms and signs of poisoning, and the recommended first aid and medical treatment in the event of poisoning

PO of Zamboanga del Sur Michael Tuico discussed product stewardship and post-registration activities. He mentioned that FPA officials will continue to monitor the companies regarding their compliance with product quality, residue on food and feeds, environment, pesticide poisoning prevention, and proper labeling.

PO of Zamboanga City Paulyn Kim Alfuente elaborated on pesticide poisoning and first aid management. In case of expected poisoning, PO Alfuente enumerated the immediate steps that should be done:

• Check if the person is breathing
• Stop exposure to the position
• Save the pesticide container and any remaining material. Give the readable label or name of chemicals to the physician. If unable to, save a sample of the vomit.

FPA then conducted a pre-test and post-test to gauge the knowledge and learnings of the participants where a significant improvement was observed. FPA RFU 9 promised that they would continue to monitor the compliance of the attendees, especially its product stewardship activities.

SOUTH COTABATO | June 24, 2022 – Twelve (12) FPA-licensed fertilizer and agricultural pesticide handlers were inspected by the FPA SOCCSKSARGEN during its 3-day Clean-Up Drive (CUD) Operation on June 14-16, 2022 in the Municipalities of Tampakan, Tupi, Polomolok, Banga, and City of Koronadal, South Cotabato. Sixty-nine (69) fertilizers and 119 pesticides products were randomly checked.

Out of the 12 handlers inspected, two (2) were found in possession of unregistered fertilizer and agricultural pesticide products. As a result, FPA issued Stop Use, Move, and Sale (SUMS) Order to Southside Agri-Products Trading and JS Agri Supply for violating Section 8 and 9 of Presidential Decree No. 1144.

On the other hand, compliant handlers were commended by FPA for implementing FPA standards.

Warehouses and mixing stations of Lapanday Foods Corporation and DOLE Philippines were also monitored. Both were found compliant with FPA standards and good housekeeping practices such as tidiness, good product storage and stacking, use of appropriate PPEs by the personnel, existence of emergency shower and eye wash stations, proper waste disposal and availability of spill kits, fire extinguishers, good floor construction, good ventilation, and presence of safety and warning signs. The station workers also practice triple rinsing.

Moreover, FPA collected prices and inventories of traditional fertilizers and agricultural pesticides and monitored newly registered fertilizer products in the area. This is to assure the farmers of adequate supplies of agricultural inputs in the province.

The three-day activity was spearheaded by FPA Provincial Officer (PO) for South Cotabato, Jennie Basilio together with Sarangani PO Joey Pascua, Sultan Kudarat PO Cherubin Alonzo, North Cotabato PO Maricel Tabigue, and supervised by FPA Regional Officer Alita Bornea.

The operation was conducted to enforce safety and regulatory practices, and also to strengthen the monitoring and inspection of fertilizer and pesticide handlers, products, and warehouses. ###

LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY | June 27, 2022 – FPA Bicol lectured to 117 farmers from different barangays in Legaspi on the safe and judicious use of agricultural inputs and promoted the use of Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) during ATI’s (Agricultural Training Institute) five-day training on Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice, Seed Certification, and Farm Mechanization.

The training, of which FPA was a resource person, was held on June 24, 2022 at Good Grass Farm, Happy Homes Subdivision, Brgy. Pawa, Legaspi City.

Regional Officer (RO) Gabriel Atole started off his discussion with topics on soil health, fertilizer application and plant growth. He then emphasized the need for soil analysis if soil health is to be maintained. On the question of the price spike in fertilizer and dependency on inorganic fertilizer, Mr. Atole recommended the application of BFS.

BFS refers to a recognized site-specific nutrient management to improve fertilizer use efficiency and refers to the application of plant nutrients in optimum quantities in the right proportion through appropriate methods at the time suited for a specific crop and agro-climatic condition that leads to soil health building (BSWM, 2020).

Provincial Officer (PO) of Albay Winsor Nueva discussed the general information of pesticide, proper pesticide labeling, safe handling, possible chemical hazards, and first aid management.  He emphasized the importance of reading the pesticide label before buying, mixing, applying/spraying, storing and disposing of it due to the inherent risk in the use of pesticides.

Meanwhile, Sorsogon Provincial Officer Engr. Ardon Ryan Nee-Estuye explained the major issues impacting the soil, and plant growth, and how the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) can address these issues.  He also reminded the farmer-participants to buy only FPA registered agricultural inputs from licensed-FPA dealers.

The training was organized by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) together with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Philippine Center for Post-Harvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as part of the Rice Extension Services Program (RESP) under the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

RESP aims to provide and improve the knowledge, attitude, skills, and practices of the RCEF beneficiaries in producing more rice and reduce production cost through training. ###

OROQUIETA CITY, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL | June 27, 2022 – In collaboration with Agway Chemicals Corporation, the City Agriculture Office of Oroquieta, and the Provincial Agriculture Office of Misamis Occidental, the FPA Northern Mindanao oriented the Mango Contractors and Growers on the acquisition of nitrate-based fertilizers last June 7, 2022 at the Training Capitol Cultural Center.

Provincial Officer (PO) Lorna Sajol explained the existing regulations of R.A 9516 regarding the acquisition of potassium nitrate and other nitrates for agricultural use to the fourteen mango contractors and growers. Only FPA-licensed mango contractors and growers can purchase and use potassium nitrate and other nitrates for mango flower induction.

Pesticides and safe handling of the agricultural chemicals provided under Presidential Decree 1144 were also tackled specifically the:

• Adoption of good agricultural practices (GAP) in pesticide formulation and application.
• Sale, manufacture, and marketing of FPA-registered pesticide products
• Sanctions imposed on unregistered, adulterated, and mislabeled products.

Meanwhile, Jerson Bajenting and Ambrosio Bariquit, Agway Chemicals Corporation’s Technical Commercial Manager and Consultant, respectively; discussed about plant nutrition, flower induction, cultural practices, insect and pest identification, and disease management for mango as part of their product stewardship and responsible care program. ###