Category: Articles

SOUTHERN, LEYTE | June 16, 2022 – Deputy Executive Director Dr. Myer Mula and FPA RFU 8 visited 29 farmers in St. Bernard, Tomas Oppus, and Sogod, Southern Leyte, last June 14, 2022. The activity aims to educate the farmers and accredited dealers with the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) as an alternative solution to counter the alarming fertilizer price hike.

The farmers are the beneficiaries of Mallard Duck Production, Egg Layer Production, and Vegetable Production. They are members of the Bolodbolod Mahayhay San Isidro Irrigators (BOMOSA), Mapgap Farmers Association, and MAGAPSO Mahayhay Irrigators Association.

During the discussion, the FPA team presented the FPA’s mandate, functions, and the reasons for the increase in fertilizer prices. They also promoted the use of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) program as an alternative recommendation on fertilization.

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.

Moreover, Provincial Officer Claudette Mae Terciño introduced the list of FPA accredited dealers. Dealers and handlers undergo training for proper handling of agricultural inputs and take exams before getting accredited by FPA. They are also regularly monitored by FPA to ensure that they constantly practice proper and safe handling of fertilizers and pesticides and sell them with good quality. 

FPA promised to strengthen the training for safe and judicious use of fertilizer and pesticide and to enhance the information campaign for alternative fertilization processes such as the Balanced Fertilization Strategy, Green Manuring, etc.

Further, FPA strengthened its link with the Department of Agriculture, other attached agencies, and other private companies and government agencies involved in future projects that will uplift the agricultural scene in the region.

LEYTE | June 16, 2022 – FPA RFU 8, headed by Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer (DEDF)  Dr. Myer Mula, orients 87 farmer beneficiaries of the Palayanon Unlad Farmers Association, Daro Integrated Farmers Association, and San Roque Women’s Welfare Association of the Department of Agriculture-Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program last June 13, 2022.

The FPA team, consisting of Regional Officer Francis Salvador Costas and Provincial Officers Eric Castanas, Loreto Macabio Jr., Gary Dela Cruz, and Claudette Tercino, accompanied by Dr. Mula and FPA Planning Officer Atty. Errol John Ramos discussed the agency’s functions and mandates. They also explained the reasons behind the rising cost of fertilizer, such as: 

• The increased prices of raw materials
• Increased transport and logistical costs due to COVID-19 travel restrictions
• High global demand and prioritization of fertilizer-producing countries for local distribution

The team also mentioned the list of FPA accredited dealers in the areas to ensure that the fertilizers they buy are high-quality, effective, and validated by science and are accredited by FPA. They also divulged the processes and requirements for licensing applications for attendees who are interested in being dealers or handlers of agricultural inputs.

Furthermore, the team promoted the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) and other alternatives to lessen dependence on imported fertilizer and still achieve good-quality produce.

“As an alternate way to fertilizer, use farm wastes such as chicken dung and cast-off rice hull beddings. This way, you utilize the organic and on-hand fertilizer, which may cost less than when you buy imported ones. It is also a better option for maintaining the health of your soil and crops,” Dr. Mula said. He also encouraged to practice green manuring using leguminous crops to maintain the health and structure of the soil.

The activity was in collaboration with the SAAD Regional Focal Person Ferlyn Basanez and Provincial Coordinator Allan Brit. 

ILOILO | June 16, 2022 – FPA Provincial Officer (PO) Emmanuel Barrida inspected Nikka Farm Supply in Poblacion, Balasan, Iloilo on June 15, 2022 for the renewal of its license to operate (LTO).

The company was found compliant with the FPA standards and is eligible for the renewal. 

PO Barrida reminded the dealer/representative to always be mindful of the products they sell, that they should be registered with FPA and must be labeled properly.  In addition, he also discussed the importance of keeping the books and records of their day-to-day transactions in relation to pesticide and fertilizer purchases, sale and use, as indicated in the Accredited Safety Dispenser training manual. 

Afterwards, PO Barrida assisted the dealer with the renewal of their licenses. 

CONCEPCION, ILOILO | June 16, 2022 – In an effort to help the agriculture sector in Western Visayas, FPA RFU 6 and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Industry Association-Western Visayas (FPIA-WV) met on June 13, 2022 to discuss possible collaborative initiatives.

Regional Officer (RO) Noel Negre and Provincial Officer (PO) Raymund Alfor represented the FPA. While FPIA-WV was led by Ricky Sazon, the association’s president.

FPA and FPIA-WV planned to establish a strong connection with LGU in terms of proper disposal of empty pesticide containers (EPC) by continuing the “Baylo Basiyo” program. The program encourages farmers and handlers to surrender their EPCs in compliance to proper management of toxic waste and substances under RA 6969 and Pesticide Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines.

RO Negre promised to continuously capacitate and update the agri-technicians and FPIA-WV members of the FPA rules and regulations through the conduct of seminars, symposiums, and meetings.

FPIA-WV, on the other hand, showed their willingness to cooperate in achieving the plans and activities agreed upon during the meeting. ###

BOHOL | June 16, 2022 – FPA Regional Office VII collaborated with Agway Chemicals Corporation to conduct a farmers meeting in Barangay San Isidro, Pilar, Bohol on June 10, 2022.

Regional Officer (RO) Arnulfo Arausa, Jr., and Agronomist Dante Bentilanon discussed and promoted the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) and the safe and judicious use of fertilizer and pesticide to 15 farmers.

“Nilalayon ng Balanced Fertilization Strategy ang paggamit ng kombinasyong inorganiko at organikong pataba para maibsan ang production cost habang pinapanatili ang mataas na ani at pinapanumbalik ang fertility ng lupa,” RO Arausa said.

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.

TACLOBAN CITY | June 15, 2022 – FPA RFU 8 discussed the fertilizer current price status and inventory of 6-major grades in the region including the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) during the Regional Management Council (RMC) meeting last June 7, 2022, at Madison Hotel, Tacloban City.

Regional Officer (RO) Francis Salvador Costas shared that 90% of the fertilizers in the Philippines are imported. Consequently, fertilizer prices are affected by global concerns such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russian War, fuel price inflation, etc. In addition, fertilizer-producing countries are prioritizing local consumption, thus, lesser inputs are available for importation.

RO Costas presented a table showing the prices of 6-major fertilizer grades per 50kg bag in Eastern Visayas as of June 2, 2022:

He explained that the average prices for these major grades include the import price, transport and logistic costs like custom’s duties, wharfage, arastre, among others, and the margins of importer, distributor and dealer.

He further added, “the DA and FPA, along with other agencies, are currently promoting the BFS program to lessen the reliance on chemical fertilizers. BFS Program is the application of fertilizer through maximum utility through the application of 4Rs: right nutrient, right quantity, right method and right time. This strategy ensures that the farmers yield a more optimum quality produce but less production cost.”

The purpose of the RMC meeting is to harmonize and update line agencies’ regional programs and operations. FPA RFU 8 has pledged to intervene and promote innovative technologies and alternative strategies to assist farmers and improve the agricultural sector in Eastern Visayas. ###

KIDAPAWAN CITY | June 14, 2022– FPA SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Officer (RO) Alita Bornea and Provincial Officer (PO) Maricel Tabigue were invited to attend the public hearing on the proposed Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-16-032 entitled “Providing for the Revised Environmental Code of Cotabato Province, Repealing for the Purpose Ordinance No. 326 and for Other Purposes” on June 9, 2022 at Capitol Compound, Amas, Kidapawan City, Cotabato.

The proposed provincial ordinance includes FPA related concerns as follows:

1. Regulations on the disposal of empty pesticide containers pursuant to existing laws, rules, and policies issued by the FPA and DENR; and
2. Regulations on aerial and power spraying. This is to provide policies in the banning and prohibition of aerial spraying of pesticides using manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) like drones, in all agricultural activities in Cotabato, with reference to FPA MC No. 28, s. 2018 or the Good Agricultural Practices for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).

The provincial ordinance aimed to ensure the protection of the environment, preservation and sustainable utilization of the resources, and the promotion of healthful and balanced ecology.

The public hearing served as a venue for non-government organizations (NGOs), national line agencies, local government units (LGUs), environmental advocates, business and academe sectors to contribute with the revision of the provincial ordinance to be more comprehensive, updated and fitting with the current status of the city. The inputs discussed during the hearing shall be included in the drafting of the revised environmental code.

The said provincial ordinance was authored by Hon. Jonathan M. Tabara who is also the Chairperson of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Environment, Climate Change Adaption, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.  ###

Sources:

Provincial Government of Cotabato. (June 2022).

https://www.facebook.com/cotabatoprovinceofficial

Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council – North Cotabato PAFC-NC. (June 2022).

https://www.facebook.com/people/Provincial-Agricultural-and-Fishery-Council-North-Cotabato-Pafc-Nc/100066847054332/

DAVAO CITY | June 2, 2022 – FPA Regional Officer Marrisa Napalit and Provincial Officer Louie Palarao meet with DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) headed by Engr. Mario Bulacan, and Regional Director Abel James Monteagudo of DA Regional Field Office 13 to discuss the disposal of empty pesticide containers (EPC).

The FPA promotes the triple rinsing of EPC to ensure the safety of all its handlers. Triple rinsing is applicable for those small holder farmers who do not have mechanical rinsing equipment. It has three stages:

• Empty the container of its contents into the mixing tank and drain for 30 seconds;
• Rinse the container at least 3 times with a volume of water not less than 10% of the container’s total volume; and,
• Add the rinsate each time to the mixing tank

A rinsate is a pesticide-containing liquid which is a result from rinsing a pesticide container, pesticide equipment, or other pesticide-containing materials (Pesticide Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines).

Pesticide dealers are the primary collection points of properly rinsed EPC. Then, they will be sent to the nearest DENR-EMB accredited waste generator like the Local Government Units (LGU), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) or private sectors that are compliant with the provisions of Republic Act 6969.  Though the disposal is under the DENR-EMB’s jurisdiction, the FPA continuously monitor the activity. In addition, pesticide handlers must submit a report regarding their EPC management activities to the FPA in compliance with Pesticide Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines.

Source:

Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority. (2020). Pesticide Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines. https://fpa.da.gov.ph/NW/index.php/about-us/manual/green-book

Nabunturan, Davao de Oro | June 10, 2022 – FPA RFU XI attended the 2nd Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Council (PAFC) on May 24, 2022 to address the questions on the alarming price rise in fertilizer.  This was held in the Provincial Capitol Compound of Cabidianan, Nabunturan with twenty-four (24) attendees.

Provincial Officer (PO) Rustom Gain Tanduyan led the presentation regarding the reasons for the sky-rocketing prices of fertilizer. In his discussion, he highlighted that the global fertilizer crisis is due to the rising prices of fuel, the Ukraine-Russian conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, most fertilizer exporting countries prioritize their local distribution over exportation.

Then, he introduced the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) as an alternative way to lessen the dependence on imported and inorganic fertilizers. The BFS is a program established by the Department of Agriculture which pushes 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. Mr. Tanduyan cited the use of cover cropping or green manuring, individual farmer soil fertility map, improved cropping systems, etc.

He stressed 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 and costs.

“We are encouraging our partners, especially from the municipal sectors, to spread the BFS program to the farmers in their area. We are always ready to assist anyone willing to learn and apply BFS,” Mr. Tanduyan said.

The participants were then given info materials regarding the price increase and BFS.

BOHOL | June 10, 2022 – Provincial Officer Sunday Flores inspected 17,000 bags of damaged fertilizers composed of Urea (46-0-0), 17-0-17, 16-20-0, 18-46-0 and Zinc Sulfate at Atlas Fertilizer Corporation Manufacturing Plant in Sangi, Toledo City on June 8, 2022. He was assisted by Assistant Vice President for Corporate Planning Engr. Ulyses Ricaplaza and Process Control Section Manager Engr. Denis Itchon.

The damaged fertilizers will be donated to Atlas Fertilizer Corporation Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative. However, prior to the donation, product validation is one important requirement for the approval or disapproval of their application to dispose damaged fertilizers.

Under Section 4.3.1 paragraph e of the Fertilizer Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guideline, disposition of damaged fertilizers may be done through sale, bid awards, donations, and all other legitimate acts. ###