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ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE | April 5, 2022 – In cooperation with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer Myer Mula visited different commodity projects in the municipalities of Piñan and Mutia on April 04, 2022.

Along with FPA Zamboanga Peninsula ‘s team, Dr. Mula heard out the insights shared by the farmers regarding the volatility of fertilizer prices and the effects of it to their current lives.

In response, Dr. Mula informed them of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS), a current program of the Department of Agriculture, which involves the application of inorganic and organic fertilizer in the soil depending on the nutrients the soil needs. He further explained that BFS caters to specific crops, maintaining healthy soil and farm produce, which will result in lesser dependency and usage of imported fertilizer.

The FPA team lectured on the safe and effective use of fertilizer and pesticides. They also informed the attendees that a training workshop will be scheduled soon. The workshop shall focus on the responsible use of crop protection products and a step-by-step guide on BFS. The FPA Zamboanga Team was composed of Regional Officer Alex Paalisbo and Provincial Officers, Mark Bohol and Charlie Limbag.

Also present during the activity were Reynaldo Campomanes, the Chief of Field Operation Division of DA Region 9, George Vallente from APCO, Dave Gramatica, the SAAD Provincial Coordinator, and other SAAD Area Coordinators and Technical Staff, Local Municipal Agricultures Office Personnel and Staff, Social Workers and various members of the different Associations.

BENGUET | March 31, 2022 – FPA-CAR conducted several face-to-face Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) trainings for the month of March to address common and persistent violations of group businesses on fertilizer and pesticide marketing.

Five people from Baguio City and adjacent towns finished their ASD training at the FPA-CAR Regional Office on March 22-23. On March 28-29, another ASD training was performed, which trained 24 officers and members of Sto. Farmers’ Association of Nio (SANFA). With the help of Valap Corporation, the association arranged and supported the training.

Only after finishing the training and passing the FPA examination can handlers be registered. However, fertilizer and pesticide dealerships run by cooperatives, associations, or organizations, on the other hand, frequently shift their storekeepers or in-charge. To address this issue, FPA-CAR held ASD trainings for the entire group, cooperative, association, and organization. This will guarantee that the group’s ASD training and knowledge are maintained.

FPA-CAR will continue the onsite ASD training for new fertilizer and pesticide handlers groups. Old or existing fertilizer and pesticide handlers that cooperatives, associations, or organizations manage will be scheduled for a refresher course.

Moreover, in collaboration with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kabayan, Benguet, a municipal wide ASD training will be conducted on April 11-12, 2022 at Poblacion, Kabayan, Benguet. The activity is part of the LGU’s month-long celebration of agro-eco tourism month.

BENGUET | March 31, 2022 – Lusod, Kabayan gave a warm appreciation to the FPA-CAR, headed by Regional Officer Rogelio B. Tanguid and Provincial Officer Rowena F. Billig, last March 17-18, 2022 after the regional unit conducted a face-to-face Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training in the area.

Lusod, Kabayan is one of Benguet’s most remote barangays. The barangay is over eight hours away from Benguet’s capital on a dusty, narrow, and rugged route.

Despite this, 32 officers and members of the Lusod Agrarian Reform Community Multipurpose Cooperative (Lusod ARC MPC) participated in the training that the cooperative had organized and sponsored. The training grabbed the community’s interest because of the prospective market openings in La Trinidad, Benguet, and Nueva Vizcaya once the roads are open.

In his closing remarks, Lusod Barangay Secretary expressed his gratitude to the personnel of FPA-CAR for conducting such activity in their locality.

Lusod ARC MPC members who attended the training are expected to submit requirements for License to Operate as dealers of fertilizer and pesticide products, upon completion.

DAVAO DE ORO | March 28, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) coordinated with the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) to advertise the implementation of Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) last March 22-24 at the municipalities of Nabunturan, Monkayo, and Lanak, Davao de Oro.

The activity was led by FPA’s Deputy Executive Director (DED) for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer Mula with Regional Officer (RO) Marrisa Napalit and Provincial Officers Cheery Agrade and Rustom Tanduyan, and the SAAD Team headed by RO Naomi Lamata.

The 3-day activity included visitation to fertilizer plant and facilities and consultation with stakeholders. They also explained to the farmers the fertilizer price hike and encouraged them to practice the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS).  Farmers were advised to utilize organic fertilizers by using their farm wastes such as chicken manure and leguminous crops to help improve and enhance soil fertility and structure. 

Dr. Mula informed the farmers of proper and scientific fertilization technologies. He emphasized considering the nutrients needed by the crop, the type of crops fit to the soil, the climatic conditions of the area, and the right formulation of fertilizer required by the crops vis-a-vis soil type. 

The team also visited the fertilizer plant and discussed the major concerns about the status of fertilizer production, movement, and the accuracy of the monitored fertilizer inventories. Dr. Mula initiated that the number reported per week by the fertilizer in the region (in terms of its inventories) might not be as realistic as it seems since some of the reports submitted (from importers, distributors, and down to the dealer’s level) might be counted double and that these numbers may affect the realization of what is really happening on the ground. He also mentioned that the FPA as a regulatory agency should create a digital system of real-time reports of inventories of fertilizers at the importer’s level only, and counting the inventories from distributors and dealers level might not be necessary since this is where the double-counting of fertilizer stocks take place from one handler to another. 

Dr. Mula realized somehow that majority of today’s farmers do not actually know the efficient way of applying fertilizers in the field, and applying too much fertilizers doesn’t mean it will be totally absorbed by the plant (law of the minimum), and the rest of the excess fertilizers will just be eroded which is a big loss considering cost-benefit analysis. He mentioned that applying fertilizer is not just about broadcasting the granules directly to the soil and by the plant, but it is the consideration of what soil nutrient is already present, the types of crops to be grown, the climatic conditions of the area, and the right formulation of fertilizer (customized fertilizer) that is really needed by the plant and by the soil. 

He suggested that even if the government provides the necessary subsidies to address the high cost of inputs, for as long as these farmers don’t know how to apply these technologies scientifically, the services provided by the government will not make any sense at all.

Ms. Napalit also gave information about pesticides and safe handling. The team advised the farmers not to patronize fertilizer and pesticide products offered by peddlers. Instead, they encouraged the farmers to always purchase agricultural inputs from FPA licensed Dealers.

To address the issue, Dr. Mula programmed a plan in coordination with the stakeholders to help inform and spread proper and scientific fertilization technologies to our farmers through IEC campaigns and educate the farmers about the Balanced Fertilization System (BFS). 

SULTAN KUDARAT | March 24, 2022 – The FPA SOCCSKSARGEN headed by Regional Officer (RO) Alita C. Bornea together with the Provincial Officers (POs’) Cherubin M. Alonzo, Jennie M. Basilio, Maricel P. Tabigue, and Joey B. Pascua conducted the clean-up drive to ensure that fertilizer and pesticide handlers comply with FPA rules and regulations on March 15-17, 2022. A clean-up drive operation is to strengthen the monitoring and inspection of handlers, products and warehouses, and enforcement of regulatory practices.

Twelve establishments out of 25 were found selling without a license, selling under expired license, selling with no Accredited Safety Dispensers (ASD), and selling repacked fertilizers without a license during the cleanup-drive operation in the municipalities of Kalamansig, Lebak, Isulan, and Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat, and Upi, Maguindanao. The erring handlers were immediately issued notice of violations (NoVs) and directed them to attend the ASD training in April 2022.

Meanwhile, 133 fertilizer and pesticide products were inspected. One hundred fifteen were found compliant with the FPA standards and 18 were found expired. FPA RFU XII will coordinate with FRD and PRD for registration confirmation and proper labeling of products.

In addition, RO Bornea encouraged handlers to assist their farmer-clients in practicing Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) to lessen the burden of increasing fertilizer prices. BFS refers to the application of plant nutrients in optimum quantities in the right proportion through the appropriate methods at the time suited for a specific crop and agro-climatic condition (DA-MC No. 20, S. 2020). This strategy will lessen dependency to imported fertilizer and maintains soil health. ###

Sources:

Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority. (2022).  Operations Manual.

Department of Agriculture. (2020). Memorandum Circular No. 20 series of 2020. Adoption of the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Management for Enhanced Crop Production and increased income for Rice Farmers.

QUEZON CITY | March 18, 2022 – Deputy Executive Director (DED) for Pesticide Eric Divinagracia presented FPA’s 2023 Plan and Budget proposal amounting to Php 346.7 million during the Internal Budget Hearing of the Department of Agriculture.

Table 1. FY 2023 Proposed Budget

As shown in the Table 1, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) provided Php 146,373,000 (Tier 1) which is 6% lower than the 2022 General Appropriation Act (GAA) of Php 156,208,000. For the second phase of construction of the new laboratory building, the implementation of Balanced Fertilization Strategy and other major projects, the FPA requested for an additional Php 200,284,00 (Tier 2 proposals).

The FY 2023 proposed budget is divided into five parts.

First, personnel services have been allocated Php 103,657,000 or 29.9%. The personnel services include the filling up of vacant positions and the allocation for Magna Carta Benefits for newly certified Laboratory Services Division (LSD) personnel.

Second, the overhead cost, which includes the maintenance and other operating expenses of the General and Administrative Support Services, is Php 148,197,000 or 42.75%.  The higher overhead cost was due to the 2nd phase construction of the laboratory building with an allocated budget of PhP 81.9 million. To date, 85.30% of Phase 1 has been accomplished and due to be finished by June 22, 2022.  Moreover, a Php 6.3M is allotted to the Medium-Term Information and Communications Technology Harmonization Initiative which is focused on the new applications and gadgets on monitoring and database of fertilizer and pesticide handlers and products.

Third, regulatory items have a total budget cost Php 91,803,000 or 26.4%. The budget will include maintenance and other operating expenses of quality control and inspection, and registration and licensing.

Lastly, projects/programs have a budget of Php 3,000 or 0.87%. This pertains to the implementation of the fortified organic fertilizer development project.

For FY 2023, DED Divinagracia also emphasized that FPA will continually aim to improve fertilizer and pesticide monitoring and enforcement, widen public awareness with proper handling of fertilizer and pesticide products, align activities and processes with international standards, and ensure transparency and accountability with clients, partners, and other stakeholders.

Table 2. Key Interventions for Masaganang Ani

For FY2023, FPA shall target 21,600 visits to fertilizer and pesticide handlers, 118,800 product inspection, and 160 trainings (Table 2).

DED Divinagracia also presented the accomplishments of FPA for 2021. There are 20,577 regulatory documents issued, 21,750 fertilizer and pesticide handlers visited, 80,858 fertilizer and pesticide products monitored, and 415 notice of violations issued for the FY 2021. FPA also conducted 149 online trainings and symposia, and ran 1,160 fertilizer and pesticide laboratory tests.

Most notable of these accomplishments were the recognitions FPA received such as the following: a Central Office-wide ISO 9001:2015 certification from TUV Rheinland, an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation from the Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) for laboratory services, a certification of (Freedom of Information) FOI compliance from the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), FPA as book publisher, a commendation from the Department of Finance for Tradenet onboarding, and FPA’s qualification for Performance-Based Bonus (PBB).

Source:

Budget Hearing in the Department of Agriculture on March 18, 2022.

QUEZON CITY | March 22, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) ended its Women’s month celebration today with food, fun and relaxation on top of a series of lectures on financial literacy and health care insurance.

Throughout the day, the employees of FPA, women and men alike, were feted with massage, manicure, and pedicure services courtesy of the self-care exhibit provided for by Honorio Lopez Technical Institute. Meanwhile, the FPA GADFPS organized the “Food for the GAD” which offered employees with free mixed balls, cheese waffles, scramble, and cotton candy. Fun carts were also distributed as freebies to the participants.

In the morning, the series of lectures was opened by no less than the Executive Director of FPA, Wilfredo C. Roldan. He emphasized on the importance of gender awareness and women empowerment in the workplace.

Gilbert Dizon of Carehealth Plus Systems International Inc. gave a rundown of the health care insurance services offered by their company. Ellen Pajarillo, on the other hand, the representative of God’s Love and Blessings Insurance Services, gave an overview on financial literacy.

Source:

Fertilizer and Pesticide (March 2022). Serbisyo para kay Juana program list.

NORTHERN MINDANAO | March 14, 2022 – FPA Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer Dr. Myer G. Mula emphasized the importance of Balanced Fertilization Strategy, during his visit here on March 7-9, 2022, in mitigating reliance to inorganic fertilizer while addressing the plight of farmers due to rising cost of fertilizer.

Balanced Fertilization Strategy or BFS refers to the application of specific-site nutrients to the soil in optimum quantities in the right proportion through appropriate methods at a right time suited for specific crops. It is commonly the usage foliar fertilizer, and combined organic and inorganic inputs to the soil to help enhance soil health and prevent decline of soil fertility. BFS is a program of the Department of Agriculture of which Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority is one of the implementing agencies.

In Misamis Occidental, Dr. Mula presented appropriate strawberry farming technologies to the Nueva Vista Strawberry and Vegetables Farmers Association for a more optimal production rate. Meanwhile, Northern Mindanao Regional Officer Ma. Sonia Calleja explained the rising prices of fertilizer and the interventions initiated by the DA and FPA. She also taught the farmers cost-effective fertilization techniques to improve their yield while preserving soil health.

Dr. Mula also announced the ongoing revisions of the Fertilizer Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines or the Blue Book by the Fertilizer Regulations Division (FRD). Major updates and revisions will include: a) removal of the fertilizer provisional registration; b) requiring the publication of bio-efficacy data generated before product registration; c) creating guidelines for through fertilizer inventory; and d) setting policies with regards to fertilizer prices such as the use of QR code to every fertilizer bag.

Fertilizer bulk blenders and formulators consulted with Dr. Mula regarding the importance of experimental use permits (EUP) and bio-efficacy data generation to ascertain the quality of fertilizer products.

Dr. Mula visited Mayor Angel Yap of the Lala Municipality and Mayor Rosa Olaffson of the Baroy Municipality to share with them the current FPA rules and regulations.

Sources:

Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority. (2022). Operations Manual. Retrieved from https://fpa.da.gov.ph/NW/index.php/about-us/manual/blue-book

Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority. (2019). Fertilizer Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines. Retrieved from https://fpa.da.gov.ph/NW/index.php/about-us/manual/blue-book

DAVAO DEL NORTE | March 2, 2022. Forty fertilizer and pesticide dealers in Davao del Norte underwent the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) Training on February 16, 2022 at Tagum City.

FPA Regional Officer of Davao Region Marissa Napalit led the ASD training with FPA Deputy Executive Director for Pesticide Eric Divinagracia.

Davao del Norte Provincial Officer Cheery Agrade highlighted in her presentation the FPA mandates, regulatory processes, and penalties for violations while Provincial Officer of Davao de Oro Rustom Tanduyan shared with the participants the proper handling, packaging, and storage of fertilizers. Lastly, Davao Oriental Provincial Officer Junette Cano talked about pesticide poisoning and its management.

Meanwhile, Syngenta Manager Catherine Sumagaysay and Bacphil Planters representative Rey Eniquela explained the safe handling of pesticides and proper fertilizer application, respectively.  

FPA Davao Region encourages dealers to watch out for the succeeding ASD trainings, the schedule of which will be posted in its Facebook page. 

BATANGAS | March 3, 2022 – Dr. Myer Mula, Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, visited major warehouses namely, Atlas Fertilizer Corporation and Ferex Agrochem Development Corporation in Batangas last March 1, 2022 to check on the availability of fertilizers for the Regions. Atlas Fertilizer Corporation has a storage capacity of 10,000 bags while Ferex Agrochem Development Corp. can accommodate a total of 470,000 bags.

Secondly, the visit was to gather information from the stakeholders relative to the situation of fertilizer industry in the Philippines. The obtained information will be critical inputs for policy formulation aiming to mitigate the impact of increasing price of fertilizer not only to farmers but to the industry as well.

Dr. Mula was also able to visit one of the local manufacturing plants of foliar fertilizer, Eupapro Laboratories Inc. located in Lipa City where he was able to stress the importance of locally manufactured fertilizers as alternative source of nutrients for crop production. The said plant produces 13,000 liters of foliar fertilizer per month. He also mentioned that local manufacturers shall ensure that the quality of their products will be maintained from production to farmers application and the importance of bottling in small quantities (250ml to 500ml) is more beneficial to smallholder farmers.

Prior to visits to the aforementioned establishments, Dr. Mula met FPA-RFU IV team to discuss issues related to regulatory policies affecting field operations. He also gave updates on the on-going efforts of the Fertilizer Regulations Division (FRD), under his supervision, on the revision of the Bluebook. Some of the major points discussed are; requiring the publication of the results of bioefficacy trial prior to product registration, removal of provisional registration, among others. The revision aims to improve the registration and licensing process for the benefit of the stakeholders specially the farmers.

Further, Dr. Mula discussed the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) Program by the Department of Agriculture in which FPA is one of the lead implementing agencies of the program. He emphasized the role of the RFU in educating the target stakeholders of the said program.

He was accompanied by the FPA-Regional Field Unit (RFU) IV team headed by their Supervising Agriculturist, Suzettie Alcaide and her provincial focal persons.