February 6, 2025 | Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya – To enhance food security and safety in the region, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Regional Field Unit (RFU) II in collaboration with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Region II conducted a training on the responsible use of agricultural pesticides in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya from February 3 to 5, 2025.
The training equipped farmer leaders with essential knowledge on proper handling of pesticides, regulations governing the fertilizer and pesticide industry, pesticide resistance management, good agricultural practices and integrated pest management to enhance productivity while minimizing risks to human health and the environment.
The collaboration between FPA and ATI underscores the shared commitment of both agencies in ensuring sustainable and responsible farming practices across the region.
A total of thirty participants, composed of farmer leaders, LGU officials, and agricultural extension workers, participated in the said training.
The event was made possible through the leadership of ATI Region II Center Director Dr. Claris M. Alaska, represented by Mr. Jhimcelle V. Salvador, OIC Assistant Center Director, in partnership with FPA Region II, led by Mr. Leonardo Bangad. ###
Written by: Arwin A. Cardenas
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Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674 Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team
February 4, 2024 | Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro — The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority-Regional Field Unit IV (FPA RFU IV) took proactive steps to enforce compliance of establishments in Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro, with FPA standards and the Food Safety Act of 2013, on January 20-22, 2025.
A total of thirteen establishments were inspected during the conduct of Clean-up Drive (CUD) on January 20, 2025. An establishment operating without a license was issued a Notice of Violation (NOV). The handlers were reminded of the importance of maintaining good housekeeping practices in their establishments, particularly those offering feeds and food products.
Following the CUD operation, an Accredited Safety Dispenser training was held on January 21-22 at Seabourn Beach Resort, Lubang. The training was attended by 16 participants consisting of new dealers and those renewing their credentials under Memorandum Circular No. 18, series of 2020. The training, a prerequisite for obtaining a License to Operate (LTO) as Dealer or Dealer-Repacker, covered essential topics such as proper fertilizer and pesticide handling, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), soil and plant nutrition, and first aid for pesticide exposure.It also covered their responsibilities as ASD personnel in their respective establishments.
Meanwhile, to strengthen coordination and collaboration with local governments in Lubang Island, the team made a courtesy call to the Municipal Agricultural Offices of Looc and Lubang.
The initiative was facilitated by key FPA-RFU IV officials, led by Regional Officer Ms. Suzettie M. Alcaide, Mr. Allan Jade V. Rojo (Provincial Officer for Cavite, Marinduque, and Lubang Island), Mr. Froilan Bañaga (Occidental Mindoro and Romblon), Mr. Jan Paolo Umerez (Laguna), Mr. Louie Seminiano (Quezon), Ms. Georlene P. Orbista (Batangas), and Mr. Vonbeth Seguiza (1st District of Quezon and eastern Laguna).###
Written by: Allan jade Rojo (Agriculturist II) and Suzettie M. Alcaide (Supervising Agriculturist)
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Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674 Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team
January 30, 2025 | Camarines Norte – To strengthen enforcement against fertilizer and pesticide violations under Presidential Decree 1144, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Bicol conducted a Clean-Up Drive Operation (CUD) in Camarines Norte from January 20-24, 2025.
Forty-seven (47) fertilizer and pesticide handlers were inspected during the activity, of which, 6 were detected to be operating without a license. They were given a Notice of Violations (NOV) and required to attend Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training, which is a pre-requisite to securing an FPA dealers license.
Meanwhile, 41 handlers complied with FPA regulations. They were commended for adherence to standards and advised to remain vigilant against unregistered, fake, and mislabeled products. The agency also reminded them to randomly weigh fertilizers and check pesticide expiry dates before accepting supplies to ensure product quality and safety for farmers.
The enforcement team was led by Regional Officer Gabriel B. Atole, alongside Provincial Officers Rosie T. Malazar, Engr. Christopher M. Nuñez, Winsor L. Nueva, Rodny P. Conda, and Wilmer Fabian C. Yago.###
Written by: Wilmer Fabian C. Yago, Agriculturist II
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Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674 Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team
January 17, 2025 | Quezon City – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) and the FPA Accredited Training Associations (FATA) reaffirmed their long-standing partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the FPA Board Room, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City on January 17, 2025.
The MOU outlines the specific responsibilities and functions of both parties in delivering training and education for the FPA certification and accreditation programs such as Accredited Responsible Care Officers (ARCO), Certified Agricultural Pesticide Applicators (CPA), Exterminators, Fumigators, and Fertilizer and Pesticide Researchers.
The FATA also welcomed the membership of the Philippine Federation of Pest Management Operators’ Association (PFPMOA) Foundation Inc., as it joined existing associations such as the Philippine Association of Certified Pesticide Applicators (PACPA), PMCP Foundation Inc., the Philippine Association of Entomologists, Inc. (PAE), the Philippine Association of Professional Fumigators, Inc. (PAPFI), and the Kapisanan ng mga Pest Control Operators sa Pilipinas, Inc. (KAPESCOPI).
In 2024, FATA conducted 23 training sessions benefitting 572 individuals seeking accreditation as recognized practitioners in the field. A total of 317 individuals took the exams for accreditation as pesticide applicators and responsible care officers. Results revealed that 35.26% passed the CPA Fumigator while 24.17% passed the CPA Exterminator. Meanwhile, 73.15% passed the ARCO exam (Table 1).
Table 1.Distribution of training conducted, participants, and examination results by type of accreditation
Type of accreditation
Number of trainings conducted
Number of Individuals Trained
Number of examinees
Number
Passed
Removal
Failed
Agri CPA-Fumigator
7
184
122
43
6
73
Agri CPA-Exterminator
6
164
87
21
5
61
ARCO
6
153
108
79
20
9
F/P Researcher
4
71
–
–
–
–
Total
23
572
317
147
39
172
Moreover, FATA led 11 symposiums on FPA regulations and pest control and management, discussing the pest management situation in the Philippines as well as the programs created by the FPA and the Department of Agriculture on agricultural chemical use which benefitted 1,524 researchers, responsible care officers, and applicators. This benefited 1,524 researchers, responsible care officers, and applicators (Table 2).
Table 2. Distribution of symposiums conducted and the number of attendees by training association (FATA)
Training Association (FATA)
Number of symposiums conducted
Number of Attendees
PMCPFI/PACPA
3
375
PAE
3
687
PAPFI
3
388
KAPESTCOPI
2
74
Total
11
1524
The strengthened partnership between FPA and FATA ensures their commitment to ensuring competitive practitioners in the field, promoting sustainable practices in pest control and agricultural chemical use.
The 2025 schedule for training, symposia, and examinations will be available on the FPA website and official Facebook page by January 24, 2025.
Individuals interested in applying as responsible care officers, pesticide applicators, or researchers are encouraged to review the posted schedules and coordinate with FATA for detailed instructions on participating in the training programs. ###
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Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674 Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team
JANUARY 10, 2025 | QUEZON CITY – Dir. Glenn DC. Estrada recently took his oath as the newly appointed Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer of the FPA before Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. at the DA Central Office in Quezon City.
Following his appointment, Dir. Estrada has been designated as Officer-in-Charge, Executive Director of the Authority.
Dir. Estrada recently served as Deputy Director of the National Rice Program and Director-Designate for Digitalization and Value Chain Development. In these roles, he leads the Department of Agriculture’s Digitalization Program for Rice.
He started his career as Science Research Specialist II on a contract-of-service status at PhilRice-DA Central Office from 2006 to 2010. The experience he gained during this time helped him develop his specialized skills in operational planning and project management. He later on worked as Planning Officer III until becoming a Legislative Liaison Specialist.
These experiences enabled him to be involved in various major projects of the DA where he was exposed to operations and started to build networks; engaged agencies within and outside the DA; and was involved in a wide range of operational concerns that enabled him to develop a passion for public service over time.
According to Dir. Glenn, combining his strengths in ideation, analytical thinking, learning, self-assurance, and as an arranger—as well as his hard work, passion, positivity, persistence, and diligence—got him to where he needed to be.
In 2023, he was conferred with a Masters’s Degree in Development Management under the Public Management and Development Program (PMDP) – Middle Managers Class (PMDP-MMC) Batch 28 of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP). He was given recognition for Academic Excellence, Leadership Award, and Best Capstone Project Award.
Last February 2, 2024, his visionary efforts to integrate technology into the agriculture sector were notably recognized when he was awarded the prestigious PMDP-Dangal Award by the Development Academy of the Philippines. This honor highlights his commitment to transforming Philippine agriculture through innovation and digital solutions.
Dir. Estrada is a graduate of BS Agricultural Economics at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. ###
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Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674 Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team
December 11, 2024 | Tarlac City – To promote the responsible and effective use of drone technology in agriculture, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) conducted its second Information Caravan on the Safe and Judicious Use of Fertilizers and Pesticides for Drone Application on December 11, 2024. The event took place at the Provincial Evacuation Center in Tibag, Tarlac City.
The program commenced with a live drone demonstration, providing participants with firsthand experience of how drones can revolutionize farming operations. The demonstration showcased the ability of drones to optimize agricultural activities, reduce manual labor, and minimize farmers’ exposure to hazardous chemicals.
“Layunin ng pagtitipong ito na ipakilala ang Drones4Rice program ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka, na naglalayong ipakilala at paunlarin ang paggamit ng drone sa ating mga sakahan. Isa ang programang ito na binigyang importansya ng ating Kalihim Francisco Laurel Jr. para lalo pang palaguin at paunlarin ang ating ani sa pagsasaka gamit ang mga bagong teknolohiya,” stated FPA Director Julieta Lansangan in her opening remarks.
Following the demonstration, a series of lectures were conducted to provide participants with critical knowledge on drone use in agriculture and related policies. FPA Regional Officer Mr. Leonardo Bangad discussed Presidential Decree 1144, which governs the regulation of fertilizers and pesticides. Ms. Christine Empig of the National Rice Program highlighted the Drones4Rice initiative and its role in boosting rice production through drone technology.
FPA Provincial Officer Mr. Arwin Cardenas emphasized the agency’s policies and safety protocols on agricultural drone use, ensuring compliance and proper implementation. Ms. Catherine Palomo of Syngenta Philippines elaborated on pesticide safety and the importance of proper handling to mitigate risks. Additionally, Mr. Alphard Moro from Agridom Solutions Corporation explained the practical applications of drones in rice farming, underscoring their role in improving precision and productivity.
The caravan forms part of FPA’s continuing efforts to advance sustainable and responsible agricultural practices. By promoting innovative programs like Drones4Rice, the agency aims to equip farmers with modern tools and knowledge to enhance efficiency, productivity, and safety in their farming operations.
A total of 267 participants, comprising farmers and key industry stakeholders, attended the event. ###
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Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674 Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team
November 27, 2024 | Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat – As part of efforts to promote the safe and efficient application of drones in farming, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Region XII and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Lambayong, conducted an Information Caravan on the Safe and Judicious Use of Fertilizers and Pesticides for Drone Application on November 27, 2024, at Barangay Didtaras, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.
A live drone demonstration, led by Agridom Solutions Corporation and New Hope Precision Agriculture Corporation, was showcased to the farmer attendees, demonstrating the efficiency of drones in farming operations. They explained to the participants how drone applications can boost productivity, reduce labor requirements, minimize environmental impacts and exposure of end-users on hazardous chemicals.
“Makikita natin kung paano binabago ng makabagong teknolohiya ng drones ang ating pagsasaka, at paano nito maaaring mapadali ang trabaho ng ating mga magsasaka.
Sa ating mga butihing magsasaka, hinihikayat ko kayo na makilahok at maki-isa sa programang ito ng makabagong teknolohiya. Nakakasigurado kayo na katuwang ninyo ang pamahalaan upang lalong pagbutihin ang sektor ng agrikultura, na syang nagsisilbing pangunahing kabuhayan sa ating bansa,” Executive Director Julieta Lansangan said during her opening remarks.
Following the demonstration, a series of presentations was held. FPA Provincial Officer, Mr. Ronick Boctot elaborated on the FPA’s mandate under PD 1144, reinforcing the importance of regulatory compliance. Mr. Jessie James Bajenting, a representative from the National Rice Program, introduced the Drones4Rice program, explaining its potential benefits to farmers and the agricultural sector. Ms. Maribel Querijero, Chief of the Pesticide Regulations Division, discussed the Enhanced Rules and Regulations on Agricultural Pesticide Application Using Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). Deputy Executive Director for Pesticide, Mr. Eric C. Divinagracia, emphasized the safe and judicious use of pesticides to ensure public health and environmental protection.
Moreover, Mr. Genaro Valencia, SFGC Research and Technical Director, and Mr. Lan-Mark Berenger, Senior Drone Pilot/Mindanao Team Leader of New Hope Precision Agriculture Corporation, shared practical applications of drone technology in rice farming, highlighting its transformative impact on field operations.
The information caravan serves as part of FPA’s commitment under the Drones4Rice project to disseminate the protocols, standards and monitoring guidelines on the use of drones in agriculture. It also aims to promote and support the DA program intended for rice farmers that enables them to have access to various drone services such as seeding, nutrient management, pest and disease management and fertilizer and pesticide application by FPA-licensed drone operators through a voucher system.
A total of 291 participants, composed of farmers and industry stakeholders, attended the pilot activity. Another caravan will be held on December 11, 2024 in Region III. ###
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Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674 Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team
Quezon City | November 18, 2024 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), together with the Department of Agriculture-National Rice Program (DA-NRP), promoted precision agriculture through the Drones4Rice project, emphasizing its benefits for rice farmers and the need to regulate drone activities, in a press conference held at the PIA Auditorium on November 15, 2024.
Dir. Glenn DC. Estrada, Program Director of the Digitalization and Value Chain Development, Masagana Rice Industry Development Program, Department of Agriculture, explained that the initiative aims to empower rice farmers through subsidized access to drone services. He emphasized that beneficiaries would receive vouchers worth Php 2,000 per hectare for the full drone-assisted farming operations, from pre-flight planning, crop establishment, nutrient management, and pest and disease control.
“The NRP allotted about 300 million pesos to support the commercial application of drones. It primarily caters to organized groups such as rice clusters, Irrigators’ Associations (IAs), Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs), Small Water Irrigation System Associations (SWISAs), and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs),” Dir. Estrada noted.
He clarified that while DA-NRP would not purchase drones directly, the program would ensure farmers can access these services through a voucher system.
On the other hand, Dir. Julieta B, Lansangan, Executive Director of the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), discussed the role of FPA in the Drones4Rice project, emphasizing the agency’s duty to develop protocols and regulate drone use in agriculture.
“Bakit kailangan i-regulate? Pwede po kasing gamitin ang drone for terrorism activities, so yung mga gagamit dapat ng drone for agricultural use, kailangan silang maregulate,” Dir. Lansangan explained.
She also added that regulating drone operations in agriculture ensures the safety of users, consumers, and the environment, along with the proper application of agricultural inputs.
“With the spraying of pesticides using application drone, there is a need for regulation para makita yung effectivity ng produkto. Kaakibat din nito ang pagsiguro sa safety ng user at ng applicator, the community, the crops and consumer, the environment. As we go along, we develop new application technology also,” she said.
Both agencies encouraged public support for the Drones4Rice project, emphasizing its potential to boost agricultural innovation, reduce production costs, and enhance sustainability in the rice farming sector.###
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Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674 Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team
Quezon City | November 11, 2024 – To regulate and promote the safe application of drones in farming, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) will lead the development of protocols, standards, and monitoring guidelines for drone use in agriculture.
Such initiative is a sub-component of the Drones4Rice project of the Department of Agriculture National Rice Program (DA NRP). It aims to standardize protocols for drone applications of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides for rice production in the Philippines.
The FPA explained that despite the availability of drones in the Philippines, and regulations for their use in place, additional work is needed to reduce regulatory constraints, standardize operations, develop digital precision agriculture (PA) tools, and scale up the adoption of these technologies.
As part of the commitments, the agency issued FPA Memorandum Circular No. 25 or the “Enhanced Rules and Regulations on Pesticide Application using Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)” series of 2024 on 1 October 2024. It is anchored on the principle of promoting the advancement and adoption of drone technology while protecting public health and the environment from the risks inherent in the use of pesticides.
Said guidelines shall be complied with by drone controllers, operators, technicians, service providers, pesticide companies, and pesticide end-users, including but not limited to private and public research institutions, state universities and colleges (SUCs), other government agencies, and Local Government Units, engaged in the business of drone spraying of agricultural pesticides and other agricultural chemicals to control pests and diseases.
To disseminate the guidelines developed to farmers and relevant stakeholders, the FPA will conduct an Information Caravan in strategic rice cluster locations established by the NRP nationwide. It will be piloted in Regions XII and III for the calendar year 2024.
Meanwhile, the Drones4Rice Project aims to reduce production costs and the need for manual labor and attract the youth to farming. The project is also expected to accelerate the rice industry’s digital transformation, one of the core strategies of the DA’s Masagana Rice Industry Development Program 2023-2028.
Likewise, the project is in response to the need to better understand the socioeconomic and behavioral aspects influencing the adoption of such disruptive technologies and the additional benefits of PA for improved sustainability and reduced carbon footprint in rice production.
The project is composed of the following agencies and institutions: DA-NRP, DA-Regional Field Office (2, 4A, and 5), FPA, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), DA-Bureau of Agri and Fisheries Standards (BAFS), DA- -Bureau of Agri and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), Civil Aviation Authority Philippines (CAAP), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), CGIAR – Excellence in Agronomy (EIA), New Hope Corporation and AgriDOM. ###
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Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674 Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team
November 7, 2024 | Tuguegarao City – In a significant step towards advancing food safety, security, and agricultural productivity, eight personnel (8) from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Region II, led by Regional Officer Leonardo A. Bangad, participated in a one-day training on the use of the Rapid Test Kit (RTK) for detecting pesticide residues in vegetables at the DA-Cagayan Valley Integrated Agricultural Laboratory (DA-CVIAL) in Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City on November 5, 2024.
The FPA participants gained essential skills for on-the-spot pesticide residue testing, ensuring that residue levels in agricultural produce fall within safe limits. The hands-on sessions covered the entire testing process—from sample collection to result interpretation—with emphasis on proper handling and quality control to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Each FPA personnel received an RTK and additional supplies for conducting pesticide residue testing, empowering them to continue this vital work in the field.
“This training provides not only essential knowledge but also equipment, enabling us to actively promote food safety in the region,” Regional Officer Bangad remarked.
He highlighted that the skills and tools gained will allow FPA to monitor and manage pesticide use, advancing safer agricultural practices in Cagayan Valley.
Ms. Lawrence G. Gaspar, training facilitator, explained that the RTK is designed to detect specific carbamates and organophosphates in select vegetables like eggplant, beans, tomato, and cabbage.
She added that scientists are working to enhance the RTK’s capacity and reliability, and that despite its limitations, it remains a valuable tool due to its portability and ease of use by farmers.
The training was organized in close coordination with DA-CVIAL under the leadership of Dr. Gerly Zulueta, and made possible with support by DA Regional Director Rose Mary G. Aquino. This underscored her dedication to enhancing food safety and quality in Cagayan Valley. ###
Written by: Leonardo A. Bangad and Arwin A. Cardenas
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Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674 Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team
