Category: Articles

ISABELA | May 27, 2022 – Provincial Officer (PO) Noel Baliuag Jr. conducted fertilizer sampling in Mallig and Aurora Isabela last May 25-26, 2022 for the regular monitoring of the quality of fertilizer sold in the region.

Collected samples included locally manufactured fertilizers like vine agro 16-20-0 and 14-14-14, Macotta 14-14-14, and Wil-grow 8-6-8. The samples were processed and packed to be submitted to the FPA Laboratory Services Division (LSD) for analysis. The samples collected will be checked for nutrient content and their labeling.

The month of May is the onset of the planting season in the region for crops like rice and corn. Considering the vast harvest area of 613,121.35 and 432,924.46 hectares allocated solely for rice and corn respectively, the region would need large volumes of fertilizer every year to meet the required amount to supplement the farms. However, with the shortage of fertilizer, especially of 14-14-14 and 46-0-0, the FPA encouraged and strengthened local chemical formulators to aid with the problem.

“It is timely because we are now at the onset of planting season in our region, it is also imperative to monitor the quality of fertilizer being sold so that the nutrient requirement of the soil and the needed nutrient of the plant are met”, PO Baliuag said.

QUEZON CITY | May 30, 2022 – Sixteen (16) fertilizer and pesticide handlers became the latest batch of Accredited Safety Dispensers (ASD) after hurdling the virtual ASD training initiated by the  Field Operations Coordination Unit (FOCU) on May 26, 2022.

Ms. Lourdes Conde and Mr. Jan Paolo Umerez discussed the P.D. 1144 which details the creation of the FPA. They highlighted the powers and functions of FPA in monitoring pesticide and fertilizer handlers.

Provincial Officer Rustom Gain Tanduyan of Regional Field Unit (RFU) 11 tackled the proper fertilizer handling and storage. He focused on characterizing the agricultural inputs and ways of keeping the products in good condition. Provincial Officer Edmar Bundalian of RFU 4 emphasized the proper handling and storage of pesticides. He stressed the importance of a secured storage area for fertilizer to contain harmful leaks, breaks, or corrosion.

Provincial Officer Gary Dela Cruz of RFU 8 emphasized the proper labeling of pesticide products. He pointed out that the correct labeling of chemical products ensures the safety of handlers, personnel, and other surrounding beings.

Mr. Mafren Tolibas of Region 8 warned the participants about the dangers of pesticides. He enumerated several steps in preventing pesticide poisoning, as well as ways in handling an emergency poisoning situation.

After the course, each participant answered a pre and post-test to gauge their understanding and to ensure the learnings imparted to them. ###

May 27, 2022 – FPA Deputy Executive Director (DED) for Fertilizer Myer Mula, visited the Regional Offices of CAR and Central Luzon last May 19-20, 2022 to discuss FPA’s plans and programs for the coming days.

During his visitation to the regions, Dr. Mula tackled the importance of tracking the fertilizer’s country of origin. He explained that the country of origin could be used as the basis for justifying the fertilizer’s local market price. He also shared that FPA is currently working on a coding system to be placed in fertilizer bags for efficient monitoring.

Another suggestion is to organize fertilizer derby by different fertilizer companies. Dr. Mula explained that the derby will be the location for the practice of Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) in partnership with the private fertilizer companies. This will determine the effectiveness of each fertilizer and its cost when BFS is practiced. This suggestion was in response to FPA and the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to alleviating farmers’ burden caused by the rising fertilizer prices.

The FPA Regional Offices of CAR and Central Luzon pledged to heighten the campaign for the BFS Program and to commit to better tracking of fertilizer products.

Dr. Mula also headed the ocular inspection of Swire Agrotech Agricultural Products, Inc. in Baton Wharf, Boton Area, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Subic, Zambales and the warehouses of Universal Harvester Inc. at Seafront Shipyard, Yara Fertilizer Phils. In Seafront Townsite Corp. and La Filipina Uy Gongco Corp. in MGC Compound in Mariveles, Bataan. The activity aimed to check if the establishments are in compliance to PD 1144 and the availability of fertilizer in the next cropping season. ###

VIRAC, CATANDUANES | May 26, 2022 – Twenty-seven (27) fertilizer and pesticide dealers were inspected during a Clean-Up Drive (CUD) Operation/Enforcement Activity on May 23-24, 2022, in the island province of Catanduanes.

Out of the 27 dealers, FPA Bicol Region found eight (8) unlicensed dealers. The unlicensed dealers were issued with Notice of Violations (NOV) and required to attend the Accredited Safety Dispenser Training which is one of the requirements in securing an FPA license.

On the other hand, licensed dealers were encouraged to apply as fertilizer accredited merchants of the Department of Agriculture to boost the fertilizer discount vouchers program and to ensure the availability of fertilizers in the far-flung areas of Catanduanes. 

During the said enforcement activities, the FPA RFU V personnel also made a courtesy call to the different Local Government Units – Agriculture Offices and distributed Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials.

After the two-day CUD, A face-to-face Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training was conducted in Virac, Catanduanes on May 25-26, 2022 to 16 participants. All of the unlicensed dealers with Notice of Violations (NOV) attended the training.

Likewise, the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) program was highlighted as one of the topics discussed during the ASD Training by FPA Bicol Regional Officer Mr. Gabriel B. Atole.

Mr. Atole presented the recommended registered fertilizer for BFS and encourage the dealers to promote the same so that the farmers have an alternative source of fertilizers.

The team was headed by Regional Officer Mr. Gabriel B. Atole, FPA-Cam. Sur and Catanduanes Provincial Officer Engr. Christohper M. Nuñez, FPA-Cam. Norte Provincial Officer Engr. Cris L. Legaspi, FPA-Albay Provincial Officer Mr. Winsor L. Nueva, FPA-Sorsogon Provincial Officer Engr. Ardon Ryan E. Nee-Estuye and FPA-Masbate Provincial Officer Mr. Rodny P. Conda. ###

NUEVA VIZCAYA | May 26, 2022 – In response to the poisoning cases reported last April, FPA Cagayan Valley conducted seminars on responsible use of agricultural pesticides and mental health briefing to more than 150 vegetable farmers of Nueva Vizcaya on May 17-19, 2022.

FPA Team, consisting of Regional Officer (RO) Leonardo Bangad and Provincial Officer (PO) Rosel Anne Labucay, discussed the safe and judicious use of pesticides, poisoning signs and symptoms, first aid management, and mental health management briefing.

In their discussion, they highlighted the proper labeling of pesticide, applying suggested dosage, observing pre-harvest interval and using of proper personal protective equipment.

“We must value our lives. We should protect ourselves as we protect our crops. Always remember that every problem has its solution,” RO Bangad advised during his discussion.

Back in April, FPA Cagayan Valley received a poisoning case report from the National Poison Management and Control Center. In addition, the Veterans Regional Hospital recorded 10 poisoning cases for the year. PO Roselle Anne Jose conducted the investigation. After the investigation, FPA Cagayan Valley proposed and planned the seminar.

The activity was in partnership with the Municipal Government of Kasibu headed by Juliet Columbos, and two chemical companies, Bayer Philippines and Envireau Pacific Inc. Also present during the activity are officials from the barangays of Bua, Alloy, and Watwat, Kasibu who expressed their gratitude towards FPA for the seminars.

The participants assured that they will keep in mind and practice the learnings they gathered during the 3-day activity. ###

Sources:

Veterans Regional Hospital, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

National Poison Management and Control Center

ILOILO CITY | May 25, 2022 – Thirty-seven (37) representatives of the fertilizer and pesticide industry in Western Visayas created an association to coordinate with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) on May 20, 2022 at Manduriao, Iloilo City, Iloilo.

The association would be supporting and expanding on FPA’s programs on farmers’ training, disposal of empty pesticide containers, recognition of compliant dealers and distributors, and promote mutual respect and harmonious relationship with other businesses.

The officers of the association would be:

• President – Ricky Sazon of Leads Agri
• Vice President – Arvin Pelegrino of FMC Agro
• Secretary – Kevin A. Lindres of FMC Agro
• Treasurer – Frankniel E. Billones of Bayer CropScience
• Auditor – Angelo Alpasan of TagChem
• Information Officers – Mr. Renato Tabanag of Atlas Fertilizer Corp. and Mr. Rey Anthony Oloroso of Syngenta Phils.

FPA Western Visayas also shared the agencies policies, plans and programs. Provincial Officer Francis Felimon Villamon outlined the agency’s primary functions. In addition, he presented the FPA website to the attendees.

Regional Officer Noel Negre highlighted PD 1144, field unit mandates, and current issues. Further, he described FPA’s participation in the execution of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy Program and OneDA’s program intervention to address the rising cost of fertilizer.

Provincial Officer Ryan Gelladula gave a presentation on the contents of the Bluebook. He stressed the correct procedures for product registration, labeling requirements, third-party authorization, fertilizer movement, supply and quality product standards, and data.

Provincial Officer Raymond Alfor introduced the Greenbook and focused on product registration, the purpose of registration, data requirements for registration, grounds for denial of registration, the obligation of registrants and labeling requirements, product stewardship and responsible care, policy guidelines on product stewardship and disposal of pesticide waste, post-registration activities, and compliance in monitoring stewardship.

Relative to issued FPA’s Memorandum Circulars (MC), Provincial Officer Emmanuel Barrida discussed MC No.16 series of 2022, MC No.1 series of 2020, MC No.17 series of 2018, MC Nos. 11, 12 & 13 series of 2017, and MC No.5 series of 2008.

With the members of the association better-equipped with FPA’s policies, plans and programs, the association is expected to coordinate better with the agency and manifest its agreement.  ###

OCCIDENTAL MINDORO | May 24, 2022 – Thirty-one (31) fertilizer and pesticide dealers were randomly inspected during a Clean-Up Drive (CUD) Operation on May 16-18, 2022, in the municipalities of Mamburao, Sta. Cruz, Sablayan, Calintaan, Rizal, Magsaysay and San Jose.

Out of the 31 dealers, FPA RFU IV-A found seven unlicensed dealers. The unlicensed dealers were oriented on the rules and regulations governing the handling and selling of these agricultural inputs. The FPA team also gave them a checklist of requirements and application forms.

Moreover, one dealer was found to be in possession of 67 packs of 100g unregistered fertilizer product. As a result, a Stop Sale, Stop Use, Stop Move, and Hold (SUMS) order was issued to the dealer for violating Section 8 and 9 of Presidential Decree No. 1144. On the other hand, compliant dealers were commended and encouraged to be partners of FPA in ensuring the safety of the fertilizer and pesticide users.

After a three-day CUD, the FPA RFU IV conducted a face-to-face Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training in San Jose on May 20, 2022, with 45 participants attending the event. 25 of the 45 participants are new dealers.

Mr. Engracio “Bong” Baral of Savers Alliance Trading, Corp. was invited and served as one of the Resource Speakers of the said training.

The FPA team was headed by Ms. Suzettie Alcaide, Supervising Agriculturist for FPA-RFU IV, and assisted by Ms. Georlene Orbista, Agriculturist II for Batangas, Mr. Mark Nicky Larga, Agriculturist II for Laguna and Marinduque, Mr. Allan Jade Rojo, Agriculturist II for Cavite and Mr. Froilan Bañaga, Agriculturist II for Occidental Mindoro. ###

Quezon City | May 23, 2022 – On May 12-13, 2022, the Laboratory Services Division (LSD) underwent a second remote surveillance assessment conducted by the Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB). The PAB assesses the competency in carrying out tests, inspections, measurements, and calibrations of local laboratories on international standards. The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard specifies the general requirements for laboratories’ competence, impartiality, and consistent operation.

The PAB technical assessment team, led by Ms. Mina A. Mercado and members Ms. Fe Concuelo Q. Natarte, Mr. Dave P. Briones, and Ms. Leah C. Dajay, reviewed and assessed the technical competencies of LSD personnel, documentation, and implementation of the laboratory’s Quality Management System (QMS) based on the requirements of the aforementioned standard.

The two-day assessment involved the evaluation of the technical competence of LSD personnel through laboratory analysis witnessing, the validity of test methods, traceability of the testing, quality assurance of data and the testing environment, and suitability, calibration, and maintenance of test equipment.

Last September 2019, FPA-LSD obtained its initial ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accreditation and successfully transitioned to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 during the first surveillance visit in February 2021. With the laboratory’s consistent implementation of its management system, the laboratory was again recommended for continued accreditation with its accredited scope subject to the submission of corrective actions to the raised nonconformities during the assessment.

Meanwhile, LSD continues to pursue its mandate of assisting the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority in setting regulatory standards by conducting and providing reliable and accurate laboratory tests on fertilizer, pesticide, and other agricultural products for quality assurance.  ###

NAGA CITY | May 18, 2022 – The FPA Bicol Region met with 30 dealers and handlers last May 17, 2022 for the Stakeholders Consultative Meeting.

Ms. Camille-Mai Valles, Information Officer of the Planning, Management and Information Division (PMID) discussed the updates on the laws and latest issuances of the FPA. She emphasized on the following points:

• MC no. 19 s. 2022 – Temporary suspension on new applications for Pesticide Regulations Division’s (PRD) Product Registration, Experimental Use Permits, and Licenses
• MC no. 12 s. 2022 – Cut-off time in processing of accreditation
• MC no. 10 s. 2022 – Notice on the use of 2022 revised application and report forms of the Fertilizer Regulations Division (FRD)
• MC no. 08 s. 2022 – Acceptance of Laboratory test results for registration and quality monitoring of Fertilizer and Pesticide Products
• DC No. 1, s. 2022 – General Guidelines on the registration of new fertilizer products with required bioefficacy trial terminal report

Ms. Valles also highlighted the improved FPA website. She gave a tour on where to find manuals, laws and issuances, and other new features.

Provincial Officer Engr. Cris Legaspi also talked about the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS). In his discussion, he highlighted that the reason for the fertilizer price hike are COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia War, rising fertilizer demand in the international market and the rising price of fuel. He explained that BFS would reduce fertilizer importation as the program reduces dependency on imported fertilizer. He suggested a few other alternative fertilizers in his presentation like bio-stimulant, controlled release fertilizer, foliar fertilizer, inoculant, plant growth regulator and soil conditioner.

Regional Officer Gabriel Atole opened the floor for issues and concerns raised by the stakeholders. Instead, he encouraged everyone to work better, providing honest and disciplined interactions. ###

NAGA CITY | May 17, 2022 – Ninety-five (95) farmers benefited from FPA Bicol Region’s lecture on the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) Program last May 16, 2022. This event was part of the Department of Agriculture’s AgriFiesta 2022.

Senior Research Specialist of Regional Soils Laboratory Jennis Reblando discussed the importance of soil sampling. He emphasized that soil sampling helps in determining the right nutrients needed by the soil and crop to be planted.

Aileen Babelonia, the Agriculturist II of Regional Soils Laboratory, elaborated on fertilizer recommendations. She focused on proper fertilizer application and its effect on the crop and the soil. She emphasized the 4Rs of applying fertilizer – right amount, right source, the right placement, and right rate.

FPA Provincial Officer Engr. Christopher Nunez talked about BFS. He explained that BFS is one of OneDA’s program to address the rising prices of fertilizer. The fertilizer price hike is attributed to various factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, supply constraints in the international market, fuel hike, and the recent Ukraine-Russia conflict. Engr. Nunez reiterated that the program would help improve soil health and lessen dependency on inorganic fertilizer.

Seven (7) fertilizer companies who partnered with DA and FPA for the event were also given time to share their opinion on BFS. They were Aldiz Omc., Bioprime Agri Industries Inc, Far Agro, Grandia Agromarketing Corp, MT Bustarga Agri-Supply, Vast Agro Solutions Inc., and Yara International.

In her speech, Regional Technical Director Luz Marcelino emphasized that “The BFS Program is part of OneDA initiatives. The goal of BFS is to mitigate the effect of rising fertilizer prices. It is a new approach to reduce production cost while maintaining high yields.”

The orientation ended with awarding a certificate of appreciation to the speakers and a raffle of freebies and prizes from the partner fertilizer companies. ###