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BOHOL | June 09, 2022 – Bohol Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BOFAMCO) Chairman Exequiel Bahalla, BOD Isidrita Bernante, and Treasurer Melva Cruisit met with FPA Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer Dr. Myer Mula, Planning Officer Atty. Errol John Ramos and Regional Officer Arnulfo Arausa, Jr. to discuss the possibility of importing fertilizers directly from international producers and suppliers to cut the cost of farm inputs due to rising prices of inorganic fertilizer.

BOFAMCO is a multi-million cooperative with total assets of Php 46 million serving 234 members covering 520 hectares of irrigated rice area.

The requirement checklist for the application as importer would be provided to the cooperative by FPA. “We will help link the cooperative to possible suppliers, but prior to that, you must first secure all the requirements. I also advise you to study and fully understand the business model of importing fertilizers,” Dr. Mula said.

Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) are granted tax-free importation of farm inputs, including fertilizers, under Sections 108 to 110 of the Republic Act 8435 or the Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997. ###

DIPOLOG CITY | June 8, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) of the Zamboanga Peninsula, in collaboration with Agway Chemicals Corporation, conducted a Mango Contractors’ training for 28 mango contractors in Mt. Sinai, Minaog, in the City of Dipolog.

The activity was an integrated regulatory and technical learning platform for the participants from a collaborative effort of FPA and stakeholder to license mango contractors operating in the province.

The first part of the program was on regulatory topics and updates, FPA Rules and Regulations Governing Mango Industry which was presented by Provincial Officer (PO) Michael Tuico. At the same time, Regional Officer Alex Paalisbo discussed the Acquisition of Nitrates per E.O. 522 and Memorandum. While, PO Charlie Limbag discussed the Recognition and First Aid Management on Pesticide Poisoning.

Technical topics on Mango Production from Plant Nutrition and Flower Induction, Cultural Practices on Mango Production, Insect Pest and Diseases Management, Pesticide Information: Mode of Action (MoA) Classification, IRAC/FRAC, and Safe and Effective of Pesticide on Mango was presented by Agway Sales and Technical Team consisting of Techno-Commercial Manager Jerson Bajenting, Regional Sales Manager Viriel O Ordoyo, and Field Promo Specialist Arnold Villanueva.

An open forum was followed to address the participants’ questions.

The participants are expected to apply as licensed mango contractors. FPA and Agway Chemicals Corp will be assisting the interested participants in processing their documents.

BOHOL | June 08, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) in coordination with the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) met with 156 farmer beneficiaries of the Integrated Carabao and Vegetable Production Project in Buenavista, Getafe, Mabini, Bohol on June 7-8, 2022 to promote Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS).

The farmers present were members of Catigbi-an SAAD Farmers Association, Taytay SAAD Farmers Association, Minol Rice and Vegetable Grower Farmers Association.

The team was led by Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer Dr. Myer G. Mula, Bohol APCO Aurea M. Madrio, FPA Planning Officer Atty. Errol John Ramos, Regional Officer Arnulfo L. Arausa, Jr., Provincial Officers Andy Cornell G. Bornillo and Jesus A. Muring, SAAD Regional Focal Person Ian H. Egam, SAAD Provincial Coordinator Ma. Reigelyn Malarijes.  

The BFS Program is a long-term solution to address the rising price of fertilizer globally and the deteriorating soils by judicious use and/or combination of inorganic and organic materials like rice straw, livestock and chicken manure to supply plants with appropriate nutrients to ensure that the crop can sustain high production over long cropping periods preserving the nutrients and improving soil structure.

As requested by the farmers, FPA scheduled a training on safe and judicious use of fertilizer and pesticide on June 28 and July 6-7. ###

BUENAVISTA, BOHOL | June 07, 2022 – Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer Dr. Myer Mula, together with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources OIC Provincial Fishery Officer Candido Samijon and Bohol Agricultural Promotion Center Officer Aurea Madrio, turned over one unit of oyster processing materials and equipment to Mayor Dave Duallo and Municipal Agriculturist Lino Divinagracia of LGU Buenavista, Bohol.

“We will help each other, and we need your cooperation and prayers for the success of this Project. With the help of the DA APCO, we are looking into extending our assistance by providing additional income/food for oyster farmers by integration through vegetable production for sustainability,” Dr. Mula said.

On the other hand, as a counterpart to the planned DA vegetable project, FPA Regional Officer Arnulfo Arausa, Jr. pledged to assist in the conduct of vegetable production training, safe and judicious use of fertilizer and pesticide, and Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) training. These trainings will help the farmers on how to properly use fertilizer and pesticides in the safest way possible without compromising the quality of vegetables being produced in the area. The training will start in the second semester of the year. ###

QUEZON CITY | June 02, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), in coordination with the FPA Employees Association (FPAEA), celebrated Employees’ Day on 27 May 2022 via virtual platform with the theme, “KaFPAmilya at 45: Balancing Personal and Workplace Well-Being by Empowering Mental Health to Boost Employee Productivity”. The activity was participated by all officials, regular employees, and Contract of Service (COS) Personnel.

During the morning session, Dr. Kenneth Kristofferson Europa, a Medical Specialist of the National Center for Mental health delivered a presentation regarding Mental Health Program Awareness. He discussed ways to understand and appreciate the concept of mental wellness and mental illness, learn how to cope with or address mental health problems, especially during the time of the CoViD-19 pandemic, and learn practical skills in dealing with stress. Dr. Europa also explained how to deal with a person or co-employee having a mental health problem and discussed the government programs and efforts to help Filipinos deal with their mental health problems.

After his talk, Ms. Jonsie Baysa, Human Resource Section Chief, presented the composition of the Agency’s Mental Health Program Committee by virtue of S.O No. 74 series of 2022, Creation of the Mental Health Program Committee and some Mental Health Programs of some government offices.

For the afternoon session, Mr. Marlon C. Molmisa, President of the MZone Training Services talked about Work-Life Balance. He gave an interactive discussion about how to transition from having a work-life balance to work-life harmony and ultimately achieve work-life integration in the future. Being the ultimate goal, he mainly discussed how to integrate work and life via Purpose, Power, Policies, Programs, People, and Productivity (6Ps).

Ms. Mirasol Bacarisas, FPAEA Treasurer, followed with an update about the financial performance of FPAEA for FY 2021. Ms. Bacarisas emphasized in her presentation the statement of financial performance, wherein the association incurred an excess of revenue over expenses of Php 12,505.69 and a deficit of Php 8,938.94 for the period ended December 2021 and May 2022, respectively. She also stated that as a form of support for the 45th anniversary of the Agency, the association would pledge Php10,000.00 for games and prizes.

FPA Executive Director Wilfredo Roldan stated, “In this time of pandemic, when everything is changing, it is essential for all FPA employees to take a moment to learn more about themselves and maintain a healthy perspective in life.”

ISABELA | June 6, 2022 – On June 2, 2022, FPA Regional Officer Leonardo Bangad visited the Aljay Agro Industrial Solutions fertilizer production factory in Nabbuan, Santiago City. The activity aims to determine if the company complies with FPA regulations and inspect the fertilizer produced in the area.

As a result of the inspection, it was found that Aljay Agro Industrial Solutions is compliant with the FPA standards on fertilizer warehouse practices and operations.

Furthermore, the company produced 10,500 bags of fertilizer per month, meeting the volume needed by the farmers in the Cagayan Valley. As planting season is approaching, farmers demand bulks of different fertilizer grades for their rice and corn fields.

However, fertilizer products are scarce for the coming planting season. In response, the Department of Agriculture and the FPA promoted the application of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS). The BFS is the application of site-specific nutrients to the soil in optimum quantities in the right proportion through appropriate methods at the right time suited for specific crops.  Farmers are advised not to rely solely on inorganic fertilizer but to incorporate organic fertilizers without compromising the maximum yield.

Aljay Agro Industrial Solutions signified its willingness to participate in the implementation of the BFS program.###

BUKIDNON | June 6, 2022 – Provincial Officer Christie Lim conducted water quality sampling for the safe re-use of waste water for fertilization of JMC fresh fruits packing house, feedlot and slaughter house in Del Monte Philippines Incorporated on May 17, 2022.

Samples were sent to the regional soils laboratory for further testing. The result of the laboratory analysis will determine the issuance of certification for allowing the re-use of waste water for agricultural base on the limitation of parameters stipulated on the Philippine Clean Act of 2004 and the Department of Agriculture (DA) Administrative Order (AO) No. 11 series of 2019.

The order stipulated that wastewater can be used as liquid fertilizer. It is also stated in the AO that all wastewater generators that will re-use wastewater for the purpose of irrigation, fertilization and aquaculture shall secure a Certification of Safe Wastewater Re-use from concerned agencies (DA AO No. 11 s. 2019).

The following sources may be used for wastewater treatment:

• Livestock – includes piggeries, beef and dairy feedlots
• Food and agro-industrial processes – include food handling, processing and manufacturing plants, sugar mills, refineries and distilleries, including biofuels production, slaughterhouses and poultry dressing plants
• Aquaculture – includes ponds, tanks, and aquaria
• Municipal/domestic wastewater – sewage/septage treatment plants (STPs)

The FPA shall issue certification of the re-use of wastewater provided that they comply the requirements stated in the order.

Sources:

Department of Agriculture. (2019). Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 11 series 2019: Revised Guidelines on the Procedures and Technical Requirements for the Issuance of a Certification Allowing the Safe Re-use of Wastewater for Purposes of Irrigation and Other Agricultural Uses, Pursuant to Section 22.C of R.A. 9275 Otherwise Known as the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004. http://bswm.da.gov.ph/download/da-ao-no-11-s-2019/

QUEZON CITY | May 31, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) celebrates its 45th Anniversary highlighted with a sports competition, pageantry, and awards from May 24 – 30, 2022. And on May 30, 2022, Ms. Maribel introduced and thanked the participants for the morning ceremony, with Executive Director Wilfredo Roldan, Deputy Executive Director (DED) for Fertilizer Dr. Myer Mula, and DED for Pesticide Eric Divinagracia, cutting the ribbon to signify the start of the event.

From May 24-26, a Sports Festival and a virtual quiz bee were simultaneously held to foster unity and teamwork and strengthen physical and mental health of FPA employees

The winners of individual and team events were the following:

• DART
  • Female Champion: Rea Larriosa (FRD)
  • Female 1st Place: Rachelle Almoite (FAD)
  • Male Champion: Mark John Gandecila (PMID)
  • Male 1st Place: John Rajah Anareta (PMID)
• CHESS
  • Female Champion: Kaezelle Sambo (LSD)
  • Female 1st Place: Lovely Luar-Perez (PRD)
  • Male Champion: Mark Samuel Molina (PRD)
  • Male 1st Place: Errol John Ramos (PMID)
• TABLE TENNIS
  • Champion: Laboratory Services Division (LSD)
  • 1st Place: Pesticide Regulations Division (PRD)
• VOLLEYBALL:
  • Champion: Pesticide Regulations Division (PRD)
  • 1st Place: Office of the Executive Director (OED)
  • 2nd Place: Laboratory Services Division (LSD)
• BADMINTON
  • Champion: Laboratory Services Division (LSD)
  • 1st Place: Office of the Executive Director (OED)
  • 2nd Place: Fertilizer Regulations Division (FRD)
• KaFPAmilya Feud:
  • Champion: Laboratory Services Division (LSD)
  • 1st Place: Planning Management and Information Division (PMID)
  • 2nd Place: Fertilizer Regulations Division (FRD)

Likewise, FPA recognized its employees for achieving perfect attendance in the flag ceremony and those who serve FPA for 10-40 years were given loyalty awards. Further, the retirees were honored during the May 30 event. The following personnel were awarded:

• RETIREES
  • Bella Fe Carmona
  • Elizabeth Perlado
  • Jelmo More

• LOYALTY AWARD
  • Robilyn Sarmiento (10 years)
  • Agusto Nagayang (10 years)
  • Arnulfo Arausa Jr. (20 years)
  • Winsor Nueva (20 years)
  • Rogelio Crespo (35 years)
  • Sonia Calleja (35 years)
  • Quirino Baterna (40 years)
  • Alita Bornea (40 years)

• PERFECT ATTENDANCE

        Ian Joy Rasalan, June Ryan De Leon, Amado Malana, Bernadette Guardiano, John Mar Nosura, Robilyn Sarmiento, Anjaneth Palcutilo, Rea Lariosa, and Darwin Narvadez

• SECOND GREATEST NUMBER OF ATTENDED FLAG CEREMONY

        Rosie Malazar, Rea Barretto, Kristine Joy Sotto, Dionn Mark Bohol, Maricel Tabigue, Eric Castañas, Francis Felimon Villamon, Raymund Alfor, Rodny Conda, Ardon Ryan Nee-estuye, Dexter Oliver Leynes, Allan Jade Rojo, Quirino Baterna, Dennis Mallari, Roselle Anne Jose, Arwin Cardenas, Romeo Val Suguitan Jr., Angelo Bugarin and Julieta Lansangan

To cap the weeklong celebration, the following won the pageant:

• Mr. FPA Sapphire: Mr. Rustom Gain Tanduyan of RFU 11
  • 1st Runner-Up: Mr. Aljhon Igbuhay of PMID
  • 2nd Runner-Up: Mr. Mike Cuento of FRD
• Ms. FPA Sapphire: Ms. Paulyn Kim Alfuente of RFU 9
  • 1st Runner-Up: Ms. Vian Napoles of OED
  • 2nd Runner-Up: Ms. Aleni Peach Gonzales

Also, special recognitions were awarded to the following pageant participants:

• BEST PHOTO
  • Mr. Photogenic: Mr. Mike Cuento of FRD
  • Ms. Photogenic: Ms. Paulyn Kim Alfuente of RFU 9
• BEST TALENT
  • Mr. Best-in-Talent: Mr. Rustom Gain Tanduyan of RFU 11
  • Ms. Best-in-Talent: Ms. Paulyn Kim Alfuente of RFU 9
• ECO-FRIENDLY HEADDRESS
  • Mr. Eco-Friendly Headdress: Mr. Rustom Gain Tanduyan of RFU 11
  • Ms. Eco-Friendly Headdress: Ms. Paulyn Kim Alfuente of RFU 9
• BEST DRESSED
  • Mr. Best-in-Barong: Mr. Rustom Gain Tanduyan of RFU 11
  • Ms. Best-in-Filipiñana: Ms. Divine Elcano of FAD

For 45 years, FPA has remained steadfast in performing its regulatory functions and in assuring the Filipino people of adequate supply of fertilizer, pesticide, and other agricultural inputs at reasonable prices. FPA’s achievements in recent years were a testament of its contribution to the success of the OneDA Reform Agenda and the realization of Ambisyon Natin 2040 – – thanks to the working men and women of FPA, ably led by our beloved Executive Director, Wilfredo C. Roldan. ###

CANDELARIA, QUEZON | May 27, 2022 – Regional Officer (RO) Suzettie Alcaide tackled the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) Program to 50 RCEF beneficiaries during the Information Caravan spearheaded by Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-CALABARZON on May 24, 2022.

RO Alcaide discussed the BFS program and the commitment of FPA to OneDA Approach. She emphasized the BFS protocol being implemented and presented the list of recommended registered fertilizers which can be used as alternative sources of nutrients for crops.

Factors affecting fertilizer price trends were also presented during the information caravan. Moreover, the activity also served as avenue for educating the farmers on Safe and Judicious Use of Agricultural Pesticide which was discussed by Mr. Kelvin Bryan Monserrat of AVC Chemical Corporation as part of their Product Stewardship Program.

The participants also learned the technology of Minus One Element Technique (MOET), Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and Leaf Color Chart (LCC). The Agricultural Training Institute – CALABARZON provided them MOET Kit, LCC and Observation Well to practice the technology shared to them. ###

QUEZON CITY | May 31, 2022 – The Field Operations Coordination Unit (FOCU) organized a Refresher Training Course on Inspection of Establishments and Warehouses on May 31, 2022, in keeping with ISO 9001:2015 mandate of continually improving FPA’s systems and standards.

FPA Regional and Provincial Officers participated in the training together with the Division Chiefs and their Assistants.  Executive Director Wilfredo Roldan, Deputy Executive Director (DED) for Fertilizer Myer Mula, PhD, and DED for Pesticide Eric Divinagracia were also present.

Ms. Ana Rose Ochoa and Mr. Maximo R. Yap of Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) served as the speakers for the courses of inspection of establishments, basic concepts for warehouse and establishments, and warehouse audit and inspection. They explained that risk appraisal checklist contains major appraisals and supplementary items needed to be monitored as a requirement to Good Housekeeping. They also tackled the basic concepts for warehouse and establishments where they emphasized on the importance of properly planned design and lay-out of warehouses and establishments. They stressed that secured warehouses and establishments are necessary in storing products.

The speakers also highlighted the things to check during warehouse inspections which are: the condition of the warehouse, its location, tools and equipment, compliance with proper handing, storage and disposal of items, personnel’s work etiquette, and preparedness for emergency situations.

During the training course, Dr. Mula also discussed the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) and the roles of FPA in its implementation. He pointed out that Balanced Fertilization is the assurance of proper supply of all macronutrients and micronutrients in a balanced ratio. This means specific crops need optimum ratio and adequate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulphur, zinc, etc.

The field officers were awarded with certificate as inspectors.