Category: Articles

June 3-7, 2024 | Cagayan Valley – To ensure adherence of handlers to fertilizer weighing standards in the region, the Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority (FPA) – Cagayan Valley team with the supervision of Deputy Director Dr. Myer G. Mula, conducted fertilizer random weighing and plant inspections from June 3-7, 2024. 

The team diligently assessed the weighing practices of fertilizer handlers, scrutinizing their adherence to regulatory standards. Out of 3,458 fertilizer bags weighed, 1,715 were found to be underweight.

The detection of underweight bags highlights areas for improvement within the fertilizer distribution network, signaling the need for enhanced oversight and corrective measures to ensure all stakeholders uphold high standards of quality and accuracy. 

“Accurate weighing is crucial for optimal agricultural yields and minimizing environmental impact. Deviations from specified weights can lead to ineffective fertilization and economic losses for farmers,” Dr. Mula said.

FPA’s recent efforts underscore the ongoing challenges in regulating the fertilizer industry. By conducting thorough assessments and addressing deficiencies, regulatory authorities play a pivotal role in promoting the responsible use of fertilizers and protecting the interests of farmers and consumers alike. ###

Written by: Arwin Cardenas

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

In her opening remarks, Executive Director Julieta B. Lansangan expressed her profound appreciation for the unwavering partnerships between FPA employees and various sectors, citing their pivotal role in effectively implementing regulatory policies. She underscored the indispensable spirit of collaboration required to commemorate achievements and propel further advancements in the agricultural landscape.

As part of its commitment to capacity-building, the FPA Accredited Training Associations (FATA) handed over the comprehensive training manuals to the DA and FPA through Secretary Tiu Laurel Jr., which includes Agricultural Certified Pesticide Applicators (CPA), Accredited Responsible Care Officers (ARCO), and Fertilizer and Pesticide Researchers. These manuals are instrumental in standardizing training processes and equipping participants with requisite knowledge and skills.

In a nod to the digital age, the enhanced FPA website was unveiled during the anniversary celebration, spotlighting its intuitive and user-friendly features. This digital upgrade signifies the agency’s dedication to modernization and accessibility in disseminating crucial information to stakeholders and the public.

The event also provided an opportunity for the FPA to pay tribute to its long-serving employees and retirees for their invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication to the agency’s mission.

Loyalty Award

• Cherubin Alonzo (30 years)
• William Gante (20 years)
• Christopher Nuñez (10 years)
• Gabriel Atole (10 years)
• Alex Paalisbo (10 years)
• Sharmaine Tecson (10 years)
• Lorna Sajol (10 years)
• Francis Salvador Costas (10 years)
• Rogelio Tanguid (10 years)
• Francis Felimon Villamon (10 years)
• Arwin Cardenas (10 years)
• Suzettie Alcaide (10 years)
• Romeo Val Suguitan (10 years)
• Maria Theresa Oliveros (10 years)
• Michael Tuico (10 years)
• Joseph Andre John Martinez (35 years)
• Nancy Dumlao (35 years)
• Danilo Negre (25 years)
• Agusto Nagayang (10 years)
• Robilyn Sarmiento (10 years)
• Quirino Baterna (20 years)
• Winsor Nueva (20 years)
• Arnulfo Arausa (20 years)
• Rogelio Crespo (20 years)
• Rowena Reyes (20 years)
• Alita Bornea (40 years)
• Ma. Sonia Calleja (35 years)
• Cris Legaspi (10 years)
• Ryan Gelladula (15 years)
• Imelda Rasay (25 years)
• Elizabeth Perlado (25 years)
• Julieta Lansangan (35 years)
• Ranulfo Taniajura (35 years)

Retirees 

• Quirino Baterna
•  Rogelio Crespo
• Julieta Lansangan
• Myer Mula
• Alita Bornea
• Ranulfo Taniajura
• Digna De Leon
• Lourdes Conde
• Elizabeth Perlado
• Bella Fe Carmona
•  Jelmo More

Moreover, the awarding ceremony for the 3×3 Basketball Tournament held at the NMIS court was part of the program, showcasing the unity and team spirit among FPA employees. 

Representatives from industry associations, including the Fertilizer Industry Association of the Philippines (FIAP) and the Crop Protection Association of the Philippines (CPAP), attended the event, reaffirming their steadfast support for the FPA’s endeavors.

Established by Presidential Decree 1144 in 1977, the FPA has been a cornerstone in regulating the safe and efficient use of fertilizers and pesticides, thus significantly contributing to the development of the agricultural sector in the Philippines.

Written by: Information Section

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

May 28, 2024 | Caraga Region – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Caraga, together with the Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer G. Mula, conducted warehouse inspections and random weighing of fertilizer bags in Butuan City and Agusan del Sur on May 20-22, 2024.

Out of 2,125 fertilizer bags consisting of eighteen fertilizer brands of different grades, 1,405 bags fell below the standard weight of 50kg per bag.

The prevalence of underweight fertilizers has a detrimental effect on agricultural production in the region. As such, dealers and distributors, being the key players in the distribution process, were briefed on the results, and concerned companies would be notified of corrective measures. These measures, as recommended by Dr. Mula, included the proper folding and sealing of fertilizer bags, as single stitched bags were observed to be prone for spillage. Further, using well-calibrated digital weighing scales from importers to fertilizer dealer-repackers was also recommended to minimize underweight fertilizers.

To further address the issues and concerns regarding fertilizer, FPA Caraga conducted two consultative meetings with stakeholders. The first meeting was held in Butuan City on May 20, 2024, and was attended by four major dealers and distributors from Butuan City and Agusan del Norte. The second meeting took place in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, on May 21, 2024, and was attended by 22 members of the Southern Agusan Agricultural Dealers Association (SAADA).

During these meetings, Dr. Mula explained the status of underweight fertilizers in the country and their effect on crop yield, which leads to low productivity. This issue arises because fertilizer recommendations based on soil analysis are given in bags per hectare. Dr. Mula emphasized the role of FPA, Local Government Units (LGUs), and FPA handlers in collaborating to benefit the farmers. ###

Written by: Engr. Yzredin O. Baconguis

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

May 19, 2024 | Cagayan de Oro City – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Northern Mindanao along with Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer (DEDF) Dr. Myer G. Mula, conducted fertilizer quality and standard weight monitoring for the different manufacturers, distributors, plantation warehouse and dealers in Cagayan de Oro City, and Bukidnon on May 13-15, 2024.

The initiative, aimed at ensuring farmers’ productivity, sought to evaluate the fertilizer landscape and devise new policies for enhancement by addressing pertinent issues and concerns related to fertilizer operations.

Out of 1,499 fertilizer bags of the different brands from the different fertilizer companies, 544 bags fell below the standard weight of 50kg per bag. The results raise concerns about potential impacts on farmers’ productivity if left unaddressed, as fertilizer recommendations are typically based on a standard weight of 50kg per hectare. Further, fertilizer samples were also collected from the manufacturers for confirmatory analysis to ensure their quality and the percentage of the nutrients indicated on the label of the product.

Dr. Mula underscored the agency’s commitment to enhancing farm productivity in alignment with national objectives for food security. He emphasized the crucial role of fertilizer as a vital input in supporting plant nutrition, stressing the importance of supplying it in adequate quantities and following correct application procedures.

Moreover, inspections were conducted at fertilizer manufacturing plants to check the production process flow, which is fundamental to ensuring the quality of end products. Recommendations were put forth to maintain and improve quality standards, including the establishment of laboratory tests for essential nutrients like NPK, provision of digital weighing scales, proper folding and sealing of fertilizer bags, and implementation of safety measures such as perimeter fences, signage, and fire exits.

FPA issued a call for unity among fertilizer stakeholders to uphold the quality of fertilizers, emphasizing their commitment to serving the needs of valued end-users, the farmers. ###

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

MAY 16, 2024 | ISABELA – To educate farmers on the proper and responsible utilization of pesticides, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) – Cagayan Valley represented by Provincial Officer (PO) Mr. Rheymark Credo served as a resource speaker for the training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) at San Mariano, Isabela on May 16, 2024.

“Pesticides are always the last resort of controlling pests. It should only be our last line of defense stressing the necessity of minimizing pesticide use wherever possible”, PO Credo said during his lecture.

He also emphasized the significance of adhering to label instructions on pesticides, encompassing dosage, compatibility, re-entry periods, post-harvest intervals, and the importance of wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during spraying to mitigate risks.

Ms. Wilma D. Aglusulos, a participant, expressed her gratitude for learning to avoid and minimize hazards when handling pesticides. She acknowledged the toxic elements in these chemicals and the potential harm they can cause if not managed correctly.

Pesticides stand as common contaminants in agricultural products, particularly in vegetables. Hence, cascading the knowledge of responsible pesticide use is vital not only to cut down production costs while upholding high yields but also to guarantee the safety of the commodities for human consumption.

The training aimed to encourage applicants for Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) accreditation. The session served as a significant step toward promoting responsible pesticide use among farmers in the region.

DA-PhilRice Isabela, DA-RFO II, FPA, Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC), and LGU facilitated the training. ###

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

May 14, 2024 | LEYTE – To ensure compliance with standard weight requirements for fertilizer products, the Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority (FPA) – Zamboanga Peninsula, together with Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer G Mula, conducted random weighing operations in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Norte, Zamboanga Del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay on May 6-7, 2024.

A total of 663 bags out of 1,139 fertilizer bags representing 11 different brands and grades, including major grades like 46-0-0, 14-14-14, 21-0-0, 16-20-0, 0-0-60, and 18-46-0, were found to weigh less than the standard 50-kg net weight per bag.

Dr. Mula underscored the significance of adhering to precise specifications for fertilizers, emphasizing not only the declared nutrient standards but also the net weight stated on the product label. He urged the fertilizer handlers to incorporate random weighing into their delivery processes and promptly report instances of underweight bags to their suppliers. To ensure accuracy, he recommended the use of well-calibrated electronic weighing scales. Furthermore, he cautioned business owners to remain vigilant against the proliferation of off-specs fertilizer products in the market, including those that are underweight, unregistered, or substandard.

“Non-compliance with these standards posits consequences not only on the revenue of the distributors and dealers but also on the livelihood of the farmers,” Dr. Mula said.

“With fertilizer recommendations tailored on a per-bag basis, deviations from standard specifications can significantly affect crop productivity and yield, ultimately diminishing farmers’ income,” he added.

FPA extended its advisory to the public, especially farmers, urging them to meticulously weigh fertilizer bags before purchase and inspect them for any physical defects such as torn sacks. Farmers are encouraged to request replacements for any compromised products, ensuring they receive the quality and quantity they pay for. ###

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

April 30, 2024 | LEYTE – To uphold quality standards in the fertilizer market, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) – Eastern Visayas, together with Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer G. Mula, conducted a series of inspections and assessments of fertilizer dealers and distributors across the province of Leyte on April 22 to 23, 2024.

The activity aimed to verify compliance with weight standards among fertilizers sold by dealers, warehouse owners, and distributors. Five dealers and three distributors were visited during the operation, covering the areas of Naval, Biliran, Ormoc, Baybay, Abuyog, and Tacloban in Leyte.

A total of 213 out of 912 fertilizer bags from different brands and grades were found to weigh less than the standard 50 kg net weight per bag. This finding underscores the crucial role of such inspections in ensuring fairness and transparency in the market and safeguarding the interests of farmers who depend on accurately measured fertilizers for their agricultural activities.

A plant inspection on one of the fertilizer companies was also conducted as a response to operations and product quality issues. Dr. Mula emphasized the need to ensure product integrity through spot checking, putting batch/lot no. and expiration dates, and improving the overall packaging of their product.

The FPA’s dedication to through inspections and enforcing regulations is vital for building trust and assurance among agricultural stakeholders. By tackling concerns like underweight fertilizers and product quality, the FPA significantly contributes to fairness and transparency in the sector, thereby supporting the sustainable growth of agriculture. ###

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

April 19, 2024 | Legazpi City, Albay – To ensure that standards and regulations are being enforced within the industry, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) – Bicol Region detected 14 out of the 41 fertilizer and pesticide dealers operating without license from the clean-up drive (CUD) operation conducted in the province of Albay on April 16-19, 2024.

The unlicensed dealers were issued Notice of Violations (NoVs) and were required to undergo the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training as a prerequisite for obtaining an FPA license to operate as a dealer. The training will be conducted on May 21-22, 2024, in Pili, Camarines Sur.

Meanwhile, the dealers who complied with regulations were commended and encouraged to work with FPA in promoting the safe and judicious application of fertilizers and pesticides.

The inspection team also warned all dealers against purchasing off-specification products from companies with suspension and revocation orders.

Additionally, the dealers were advised to randomly weigh fertilizer bags before accepting them and to scrutinize the expiry dates of pesticides from suppliers.

These precautions aim to guarantee that farmers receive safe and high-quality fertilizer and pesticide products.

The operation was led by Regional Officer (RO) Gabriel Atole, alongside Provincial Officers (PO) Rodny Conda, Christopher Nuñez, Rosie Malazar, Cris Legaspi, Winsor Nueva, and Ardon Ryan Nee-Estuye. ###

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

March 12- 15, 2024 | NAIROBI, KENYA – As the lead agency in the country for the implementation of the India-Philippines project “Promoting eco-friendly crop protection solutions for persistent organic pollutant and highly hazardous pesticide reduction in Asia”, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) joined the inception meeting on Financing for Agrochemicals Reduction and Management (FARM) Global Child Project at the United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya on March 12-15, 2024.

Representing the FPA were Executive Director Julieta B. Lansangan, and Ms. Maribel M. Querijero, OIC Deputy Executive Director for Pesticide and Chief of the Pesticide Regulations Division.

Spearheaded by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the FARM Global Child Project aims to catalyze regulatory and financial frameworks conducive to sustainable agricultural practices.

The importance of stakeholder engagement and collaboration, both at the national and international levels, served as a central theme for the meeting. Representatives from partner organizations, governmental agencies, and financial institutions shared their perspectives on realigning finance, policy, and enforcement parameters to support sustainable agriculture.

The sessions focused on communication strategies, gender mainstreaming, and monitoring and evaluation underscoring the comprehensive approach adopted by the FARM programme. The participants engaged in lively discussions on various aspects, including financing mechanisms, policy alignment, and capacity building.

Dir. Lansangan served as one of the panelists who discussed the Philippine regulation on biopesticides and shared insights on the project’s relevance to strengthening FPA’s regulations. On the other hand, Ms. Querijero presented the Philippine FARM Project.

As part of the event, the FPA delegates learned from the field visits to manufacturing facilities, providing them with first-hand insights into innovative agricultural practices, such as bioprotectants. These visits underscored the importance of knowledge exchange and collaboration in achieving FARM’s goals of enhancing food safety and environmental sustainability.

Dir. Lansangan said the transformative potential of the FARM initiative in promoting sustainable agriculture globally ignited their optimism as participants.

“The active engagement of diverse stakeholders and the exchange of expertise contributed to the program’s success in addressing the challenges posed by agrochemicals while fostering agricultural resilience and environmental stewardship,” she expressed. ###

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

April 17, 2024 | Quezon City – The Information Section of the Planning, Management and Information Division (PMID) conducted its first face-to-face Certified Pesticide Applicator (CPA) and Accredited Responsible Care Officer (ARCO) examinations on April 10-11, 2024, at the FPA Central Office.

A total of 35 examinees, composed of fifteen (15) CPA Fumigators, five (5) CPA Exterminators, and fifteen (15) ARCO, participated.

Prior to the said exam, PMID released Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 03 Series of 2024, emphasizing the examination schedules for the year to be held at the FPA Central Office as follows:

• June 18-20, 2024
• August 27-29, 2024
• December 17-19, 2024

On February 21, 2024, MC No. 7 was released that provides clear guidelines for the conduct of CPA and ARCO examinations to ensure transparent and fair examination process. The MC also highlighted that FPA may determine special examination venues should there be a minimum of ten (10) examinees from a particular region or island cluster to promote inclusivity and accessibility of services.

FPA Regional Field Units and interested handlers or companies must directly coordinate with the Information Section for the conduct of special exams through email address: fpa77.exams@gmail.com.

Results of the recent examinations will be released on April 23, 2024. ###

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