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IGUIG, CAGAYAN | March 06, 2024 – In an effort to promote safety standards and empower dealers, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Cagayan Valley conducted an Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training for dealers and individuals interested in selling fertilizers and pesticides at DA-SCRC in Minanga, Iguig, Cagayan on March 5, 2024.

The training focused on safe handling practices, essential knowledge about fertilizers and pesticides, protocols for poisoning incidents, first aid management, and the laws and regulations governing the sale of these agricultural inputs.

“This training should not be treated only as a requirement for license application but should also be a responsibility to bear for our farmers. You are our partners in technology transfer,” Regional Officer (RO) Mr. Leonardo A. Bangad said during his opening message.

During the session, a participant asked about the significance of bond labels on pesticides, questioning their necessity if all pesticides have the same impact on the target organism. Provincial Officer (PO) Mr. Keith I. Mabanag clarified that bond labels aren’t tailored for the target organism, but rather for the safety of applicators and non-target creatures, particularly mammals.

As stipulated in the Pesticide Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines (Greenbook), bond labels of pesticides were designed to signify their toxicity level to mammals. It is located below the pesticide label. There are four color bonds: red, which is categorized as dangerous; yellow, which is classified as harmful; blue, which means caution; and green, for least toxic. Red-label pesticides were already banned in the Philippines.

The participants were also reminded to be vigilant about the fake, unregistered, and smuggled fertilizer and pesticide products proliferating in the market.

“Always buy from licensed FPA handlers and contact us to verify a product when they have any doubts regarding its authenticity,” PO Mabanag said.

A total of fifty-three (53) participants from different towns in Cagayan and Isabela attended the training. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

LOCOS | March 05, 2024 – 1,157 bags of fertilizers were weighed from 9 warehouses during the intensive inspection conducted by FPA in Region I from February 26-29, 2024, namely:

1. Business Prime Enterprises Incorporation
2. JRT Chemtrade Co. Inc.,
3. Ruiz Agro Farm Supply and GM
4. Bacarra Zanera Irrigators MPCI
5. Gagetan Aramid Agri. Corp
6. Gwyneth’s Agricultural Supply
7. Jedeco Trading Corp.
8. Solid North Marketing Corp.
9. Universal Leaf Philippines, Inc.

The activity aimed to monitor the compliance of handlers to the standard weight of fertilizers per bag at 50 kgs and that the input quality meets regulatory standards. Out of 1,157 bags, 782 were found to be underweight. The team advised the fertilizer owners to perform random weight checks before accepting fertilizers from importers and manufacturers, following the standard 50 kg net weight for fertilizer bags.

Dr. Mula also engaged in discussions with warehouse owners and staff to highlight the adverse effects of underweight fertilizers on agricultural productivity.

“We should ensure the accuracy of fertilizer weights before selling them to the farmers. At the same time, our farmers should also be vigilant when purchasing fertilizers to ensure they meet both weight and quality requirements,” Dr. Mula said.

Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer (DEDF) Dr. Myer G. Mula, Regional Officer (RO) Mr. Joseph Andre John O. Matinez, and Senior Agriculturist Edward Allen A Calapatia led the activity. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

CAMARINES NORTE | February 26, 2024 – Thirty-six (36) participants from Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Albay attended the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training at Del Barrio Agricultural Learning Center, Brgy. Mancruz, Daet, Camarines Norte on February 21-22, 2024.

Provincial Officer (PO) Engr. Cris L. Legaspi provided an overview of the two-day ASD training, emphasizing its significance as a prerequisite for applying for an FPA License to Operate as a Dealer.

Meanwhile, Regional Officer (RO) Mr. Gabriel B. Atole emphasized the role of ASD personnel as frontliners for farmers purchasing fertilizer and pesticide products.

“Safety dispensers guide farmers on the safe and proper application of fertilizers and pesticides,” RO Atole said.

Topics discussed on the first day were general information on pesticides and their label, pesticide safe handling, storage and transport, pesticide poisoning and first aid, understanding Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM).

On the second day, topics included soil, fertilizer, and plant growth, types of fertilizers and plant growth promoters, Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS), and fertilizer handling and storage.

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

The team also urged the participants to purchase only FPA-registered products and seek clarifications from assigned Provincial Officers (POs). They can also visit the FPA website and social media channels for additional information.

Also joining the team are PO Mr. Winsor L. Nueva, PO Engr. Christohper M. Nuñez, PO Ms. Rosie T. Malazar, PO Engr. Ardon Ryan E. Nee-Estuye and PO Mr. Rodny P. Conda. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

CAMARINES NORTE | February 26, 2024 – Three (3) out of twenty-three (23) fertilizer and pesticide (f/p) dealers monitored during the Clean-Up Drive (CUD) operation conducted in the province of Camarines Norte were issued with Notice of Violations (NoVs) on February 19-20, 2024.

FPA Bicol directed the violators to participate in the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training as a prerequisite for obtaining an FPA license. The violators were mostly located in remote barangays of Camarines Norte.

On the other hand, compliant dealers were commended and encouraged to be partners of the FPA to ensure the safety of fertilizer and pesticide users in the region.

Regional Officer (RO) Mr. Gabriel B. Atole led the inspection together with Provincial Officer (PO) Mr. Winsor L. Nueva, PO Engr. Christopher M. Nuñez, PO Engr. Cris L. Legaspi, PO Mr. Rodny P. Conda and PO Engr. Ardon Ryan E. Nee-Estuye. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

CALABARZON | February 23, 2024 – To enhance collaboration and gather insights for policy formulation, Dr. Myer G. Mula, FPA Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, visited a local fertilizer manufacturer and a distillery plant in Region IV-A on February 23, 2024.

Dr. Mula’s first stop was at Absolut Distillers Inc. in Lian, Batangas, where he conducted an on-site inspection of wastewater treatment lagoons. The treated wastewater is being reused as fertilizer for sugarcane farming and is provided for free to farmers as their social responsibility.

In the same location, the manufacturing site of Binubusan Multi-Purpose Cooperative was visited next, where fortified organic fertilizer is produced using mudpress, a by-product from nearby sugar mills.

Dr. Mula highlighted the importance of ensuring product quality consistent with the declared guaranteed analysis, especially with the given variations in the quality of mudpress from different sources.

He underscored internal control mechanisms are crucial to ensuring compliance with declared specifications.

Moreover, the FPA executive visited the Bio-N manufacturing plant of AgriSpecialist Inc. in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. He discussed inspection and monitoring procedures essential for regulatory compliance in fertilizer manufacturing.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between the FPA and private companies to uphold existing laws governing fertilizer production.

The activity was composed of Mr. Edward Allen Calapatia, Senior Agriculturist and FOCU-National Coordinator; and the team of FPA-RFU IV headed by FPA Regional Officer, Ms. Suzettie M. Alcaide, and Provincial Officers Mr. Jan Paolo E. Umerez, Mr. Mark Nicky S. Larga, Ms. Georlene P. Orbista and Mr. Marl Louie G. Seminiano. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

CALABARZON | February 22, 2024 – In an effort to stop the spread of underweight and substandard fertilizers, a monitoring team spearheaded by Dr. Myer G. Mula, Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, conducted intensive inspection of fertilizer warehouses and dealer outlets in CALABARZON from February 19 to 22, 2024.

Held in the provinces of Batangas, Quezon, and Laguna, the activity targeted major area distributors and dealers licensed by the FPA. The primary focus was on mitigating the distribution of underweight fertilizer products, which pose a significant threat to agricultural productivity.

During the inspection, a total of three hundred six (306) fertilizer bags were weighed, encompassing a range of fertilizer compositions, including but not limited to 0-0-60, Complete (14-14-14/16-16-16), 15-5-15, 15-9-20, 16-20-0, 17-7-17, 18-46-0, 21-0-0, 25-0-0, and 46-0-0 (Granular and Prilled). Two hundred twenty-two (222) units (73% of the bags), were found to be underweight.

Deputy Executive Director Mula underscored the critical importance of vigilance among area distributors and dealers, urging them to conduct regular monitoring, particularly random weighing, of fertilizer deliveries.

He emphasized the adverse repercussions of underweight fertilizers, not only on the income of retailers but also on crop yields, thereby directly impacting the livelihoods of farmers.

Moreover, he stressed the role of FPA-licensed handlers in upholding the regulatory standards outlined in PD 1144.

He called upon the handlers to actively collaborate with the FPA in enforcing these regulations, to safeguard the integrity of the fertilizer market.

The FPA executive was accompanied by Mr. Edward Allen Calapatia, Senior Agriculturist and FOCU- National Coordinator and the team of FPA-RFU IV headed by FPA Regional Officer- Ms. Suzettie M. Alcaide, and Provincial Officers Mr. Jan Paolo E. Umerez, Mr. Mark Nicky S. Larga, Ms. Georlene P. Orbista and Mr. Marl Louie G. Seminano. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

February 17, 2024 | Province of Aurora – To protect our farmers and fishers as end-users of fertilizers, FPA Deputy Executive Director Myer Mula, conducted consultation with farmers affected by the alleged off-specs of local blended fertilizer, KASAKA 8-8-8, in the Municipality of Dilasag.

Off-specification fertilizers are those that have not met the required amount of nutrients as registered in FPA.

During the meeting last 14 February 2024, seven affected farmers shared that 218 bags KASAKA 8-8-8, each weighing 50kgs, were applied to a total of 32.4 hectares of corn fields.

They observed that the fertilizer has no significant effect to their corn, indicating an abnormal average growth of only 3ft from sowing on November 2023 to its current maturity on February 15. It also produces only 2-3 inches ear, which is considered as unproductive. The farmers estimate Php 400,000 loss incurred.

During the growing period, the farmers have persisted on coordinating with the Floodgates Agri Venture Corporation representatives, for them to observe their crops from the vegetative to maturity stage. Without receiving any response from the company, they raised the issue to DA and FPA.

Dr. Mula advised the farmers to be vigilant of new fertilizer products being sold in the market. “Farmers should always coordinate with FPA through our Provincial Agriculturists, if new fertilizer products are being sold, to confirm their authenticity,” he said.

Other issues discussed included identification of underweight fertilizers, advantages of purchasing branded fertilizers, and strictly following the fertilizer recommended rate in kilograms, not in bags. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

PROVINCE OF ZAMBALES | February 12, 2024 – In an effort to address the proliferation of underweight fertilizer bags in the market, the FPA conducted an ocular inspection of three fertilizer warehouses in the Province of Zambales from January 31 to February 01, 2024.

The FPA Monitoring Team was spearheaded by Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer G. Mula, Senior Agriculturist Mr. Edward Allen Calapatia, and Provincial Officer (PO) Mr. Quirino T. Baterna.

The team inspected warehouses of Golden Harvest Agricultural Supply, and J. Delos Santos Poultry & Agricultural Supply in Sta. Cruz and Agriscor, Inc. in Castillejos.

Before the actual weighing of bags, Dr. Mula briefed the establishments’ representatives and explained reports of underweight fertilizers being sold in the market that incur income loss among farmers.

265 bags of fertilizers composed of 21-0-0, 14-14-14, and 46-0-0 were weighed, from which a total of 21 bags were below the standard weight of 50 kgs per bag. The lowest weight recorded was 48.74 kg.

As a corrective action, the underweight bags will be subjected to re-bagging to be supervised by FPA field personnel. Dr. Mula recommended conducting random weighing upon delivery of their order and rejecting bags that were found to be underweight. He also suggested using an electronic weighing scale for more precise weight measurements.

Dr. Mula also reminded the owners of the establishments to be vigilant about the proliferation of off-specification, unregistered, and underweight fertilizer products in the market. Non-compliance can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just the distributor´s and dealer´s income but also the farmers and fishers value for money in purchasing the fertilizers. Likewise, underweight fertilizers can negatively impact the nutrient requirements of plants, as fertilizer recommendations are made on a per-bag basis. In this manner, productivity will be most affected.

Issues and concerns gathered from the stakeholders during the inspection were noted by the monitoring team to be used as vital inputs in revising the Fertilizer Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines (Bluebook).

FPA also encourages the public, especially the farmers, to weigh the bag of fertilizers before buying, check its physical appearance for any defects (e.g., damaged sack or sewn), and ask for a replacement if needed. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

ALBAY AND CAMARINES SUR | February 12, 2024 – To ensure the compliance and quality of fertilizers at distribution centers, Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer Dr. Myer G. Mula led an intensive inspection of fertilizer area distributors in Albay and Camarines Sur on February 5 – 7, 2024.

The activity aims to verify the weight and quality of fertilizers in the provinces as the monitoring team visited a fertilizer area distributor in Albay and four area distributors in Camarines Sur.

A total of 721 bags of fertilizers were weighed using a digital weighing scale. Out of 721 bags, 247 bags were found to be underweight.

The owners were advised to perform random weight checks before accepting fertilizers from importers and manufacturers following the standard 50 kg net weight for fertilizer bags.

“Ensuring compliance and quality in fertilizer distribution is FPA’s commitment to upholding integrity and fairness within the agricultural sector. Fertilizer handlers must comply with the standard weights and quality of fertilizers,” Dr. Mula said.

He added that there are three main reasons on the importance of ensuring that each bag of fertilizer weighs 50 kg net. First, it ensures that farmers and fishers get the correct amount of fertilizer they are paying for. Second, distributor´s and dealer´s who purchase fertilizers from suppliers or importers will incur income losses due to underweight fertilizers. Third, underweight fertilizers can negatively impact the nutrient requirements of plants, as fertilizer recommendations are made on a per-bag basis, which affect productivity.

“We (FPA) are doing intensive inspections given our mission to uphold fairness and quality in fertilizer distribution, ultimately benefiting the agricultural community,” he emphasized.

Regional Officer Gabriel B. Atole, Provincial Officers Mr. Rodny P. Conda, Engr. Ardon Ryan E. Nee-Estuye, Engr. Cris L. Legazpi, Mr. Winsor L. Nueva, and Ms. Rosie T. Malazar composed the FPA monitoring team. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

January 19, 2024 | Davao Del Norte – The FPA Davao, in coordination with the local government of Sto. Tomas and the PNP, has shut down operations of an unlicensed fertilizer manufacturer in Davao Del Norte on January 4, 2024, after finding out their illegal ‘spinning palanggana’ operations in the production of fertilizers.

The process entailed manually mixing different fertilizer grades in a “palanggana” (basin) by hand to produce a seemingly new fertilizer product.

FPA Davao explained it as an unconventional manufacturing process that is below standard because of the improper handling of volatile chemicals; uncalculated mixing of raw materials; and the absence of quality control procedures.

Prior to halting operations, an inspection was earlier conducted on December 20, 2023 after the illegal activity was anonymously reported at said regional office. Six (6) ‘spinning palanggana’ machines were found on site while four (4) employees are on standby.

According to a source, the plant was established in August 2023, and their production run on November 7-21, 2023.

The activity violates PD 1144 and FPA Memorandum No. 23 Series of 2022, otherwise known as the “Suspension of existing product registrations and license of handlers using the “spinning palanggana” method.”

Notice of Violations (NOVs) were issued to the manufacturer and a Stop Use, Move, and Sale (SUMS) Order was issued for the illegal product.

The FPA consistency reminds the public to be vigilant and report such illegal activities to authorities. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team