Category: Articles

April 17, 2024 | Central Visayas – To ensure the quality of fertilizers in Central Visayas, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Region 7, together with Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer G. Mula, inspected various fertilizer manufacturers and distributors across the province of Cebu and Negros Oriental on April 15-17, 2024.

The inspection team meticulously checked the weight accuracy, packaging, and marking requirements of the fertilizers being sold by area distributors, dealers, and manufacturers. A total of 173 out of 789 fertilizer bags from different brands and grades, including the four major grades (46-0-0, 0-0-60, 14-14-14, 21-0-0, 16-20-0, 18-46-0), were found to weigh less than the standard 50 kg net weight per bag.

The team emphasized the importance of meeting consistent product quality and provided recommendations to enhance production processes and equipment maintenance to prevent contamination.

The need for accurate calibration when using electronic weighing machines and proper handling to prevent damage during transport was also stressed.

FPA strongly advised the public, particularly farmers, to weigh fertilizer bags before purchase, thoroughly inspecting them for any physical defects or damages, and promptly seeking replacements, if necessary, as part of their inherent rights as end-users and protecting consumers.

The heightened inspections and enforcement actions aim to bolster the capability of local fertilizer manufacturers and maintain the integrity of agricultural products in Central Visayas. ###

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

April 15, 2024 | Toledo City, Cebu – To ensure that product registration protocols are strictly followed by the industry, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Central Visayas, together with the FPA’s Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer (DEDF) Dr. Myer G. Mula, monitored the Biological Efficacy Data Generation conducted by an FPA Accredited Researcher in Barangay Talavera, Toledo City, Cebu on April 15, 2024

During the trial inspection, the team was briefed on the treatment details of the experiment. Recommendations were made based on the crop stage and prevailing weather conditions. It was advised that irrigation is essential, particularly for shallow-rooted crops like rice during the critical milking stage. Alongside this advice, suggestions were provided for documenting the experiment through pictures and gathering essential data to assess the product’s effectiveness.

Products such as biostimulants are required to undergo bioefficacy testing as a mechanism to support claims of registrants on the effectiveness of a fertilizer to supply the major and minor nutrients needed by plants for growth and reproduction.

The FPA’s effort in monitoring biological efficacy experiments underscores its commitment to ensuring the efficacy and reliability of agricultural products. Such initiatives are vital for maintaining the integrity of agricultural practices and fostering sustainable growth in the agricultural sector. ###

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

WESTERN VISAYAS | April 04, 2024 – To mitigate the proliferation of underweight fertilizer bags in the market, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Western Visayas, together with Dr. Myer G. Mula, the Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, and Edward Allen Calapatia, Senior Agriculturist inspected ten (10) fertilizer handlers across Iloilo City, Guimaras, and Iloilo Province on April 1-3, 2024.

The team inspected three (3) importers, three (3) dealers, and four (4) area distributors, namely:

1. La Filipina Uy Gongco Corp.
2. Atlas Fertilizer Corp.
3. Swire Agrotech Agricultural Products
4. Cantua Agricultural Supply
5. Joy Reyes Rice Retailer
6. Hog Cockers Trading
7. Bacphil Planters Fertilizer Corp.
8. Model Agro Sales
9. BT Grains and Agro Agro Corporation
10. P & A Farm Supply Warehouse

Out of 1,759 fertilizer bags from different brands and grades, including the four major grades (46-0-0, 14-14-14, 21-0-0, 16-20-0), 673 were found to weigh less than the standard 50 kg net weight per bag.

Dr. Mula stressed the critical need for diligent checking during the bagging process and ensuring accurate calibration using electronic weighing machines. He proposed practical solutions such as double-folding sack edges to prevent tearing, closer supervision of bagging processes, and implementing proper ventilation using pallets to safeguard workers’ health.

FPA strongly advised the public, particularly farmers, to weigh fertilizer bags prior to purchase, thoroughly inspect them for any physical defects, and promptly seek replacements if necessary.

This proactive stance by the FPA underscores its commitment to upholding industry standards, ensuring fair trade practices, and safeguarding the interests of farmers in Western Visayas. ###

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

CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION | March 15, 2024 – Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer G. Mula, Senior Agriculturist, Mr. Edward Calapatia, and FPA CAR conducted intensified monitoring of fertilizer weights and information campaign in Benguet, Abra, and Mt. Province on March 11-15, 2024.

Thirteen (13) establishments were inspected, and 23 brands of fertilizers were randomly weighed. Some of the fertilizers were identified to be underweight after failing to meet the specified net weight on the label.

To address the issue, the underweight bags will undergo re-bagging under the supervision of FPA field personnel. Dr. Mula advised the implementation of random weighing upon delivery of each order and the rejection of any underweight bags. Additionally, he recommends the utilization of electronic weighing scales for more accurate weight measurements.

Meanwhile, the monitoring team also conducted activities such as Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training during the weeklong activity.

Along the way, Dr. Mula emphasized the role of handlers in ensuring the right amount of fertilizer per bag to ensure that distributors, dealers, and farmers get the accurate quantity of fertilizer they are paying for; and for them to avoid income losses after buying from importers.

Moreover, he underscored the impacts of underweight fertilizers on the nutrient requirements of plants that affect crop yield leading to low productivity, as fertilizer recommendations in kg per hectare are converted to per-bag basis by farmers as taught by technicians.

“We should make sure to weigh the fertilizers before giving them to the farmers, as this is crucial for their crops’ health and productivity,” Dr. Mula stressed.

The training activities were sponsored by the Crop Protection Association of the Philippines (CPAP) through Leads Agri and Agway Chemical Companies. ###

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

BENGUET | March 14, 2024 – To educate farmers and cooperative members on the safe handling and effective use of agricultural inputs, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) served as a resource speaker in the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training conducted in partnership with Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) – Benguet, at Kilo, Acop, Caponga, Tublay, Benguet on March 12-13, 2024.

Regional Officer (RO) Rogelio B. Tanguid and Provincial Officer (PO) Rowena F. Billig discussed the rules and regulations on licensing, product registration, and safe handling practices of fertilizers and pesticides. Topics covered included reading labels, insecticide resistance management, proper storage, handling, and pesticide poisoning prevention.

During the occasion, FPA Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer Mula, emphasized the importance of enforcing FPA mandates to ensure the quality of fertilizers, particularly focusing on the correct weight of fertilizer bags. Mr. Edward Calapatia, Senior Agriculturist from the Field Operations Coordinating Unit (FOCU), also highlighted the significance of monitoring fertilizer distribution to maintain quality standards.

DAR-Benguet identified and organized the Binnadang Agrarian Reform Cooperative (BARC) as their conduit for the agrarian reform beneficiaries in the locality. The BARC identified the marketing of agricultural inputs as one of their projects under the Sustainable Livelihood Assistance under one of the DAR’s special projects.

A total of sixteen (16) participants composed of farmers, officers, and members of said cooperative attended the training. ###

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

DAVAO CITY AND TAGUM CITY | March 25, 2024 – In an effort to combat the prevalence of underweight fertilizer bags in the market, the FPA Davao conducted a thorough inspection of importers and fertilizer distributors’ warehouses in Davao City and Tagum City, Davao del Norte, from March 18 to 20, 2024.

The team inspected seven (7) fertilizer handlers namely:

1. Sagrex Corporation
2. La Filipina Uy Gongco Corporation
3. Yara Fertilizers Philippines, Inc.
4. Universal Harvester, Inc.
5. Atlas Fertilizers Corporation
6. Swire Agrotech Agricultural Products, Inc.
7. Bacphil Planters Fertilizer Corporation

Out of 1,924 bags of fertilizers from 11 different brands and grades, including the six major grades, 773 bags weighed less than the standard 50-kg net weight.

During a consultative meeting with GlobalPort Davao Terminal Inc., Dr. Mula addressed concerns over underweight fertilizers. Recent random weigh-ins revealed that bags handled by GlobalPort Davao Terminal Inc. were underweight. The company assured the public of corrective measures and emphasized using automated bagging machines to prevent underweight fertilizer bags. Dr. Mula also highlighted issues regarding bag stitching affecting packaging quality and net weight.

“Adhering to fertilizer specifications, including declared nutrient standards and net weight is important to protect farmers’ interests. We should always conduct random weigh-ins upon delivery, report underweight bags to suppliers, and use well-calibrated electronic weighing scales for accuracy,” Dr. Mula stressed during the GlobalPort Davao Terminal Inc. meeting.

FPA Davao also reiterated that non-compliance to these standards could have severe ramifications, significantly impacting distributor revenue and farmers’ trust. Off-spec fertilizers can cause substantial harm to crop productivity and yield, leading to a significant reduction in farmer income.

Stakeholder feedback from the meetings will be considered for the revisions of the Fertilizer Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines (Bluebook). “To ensure fertilizer market integrity, your input is invaluable. Let us work together to enforce regulations effectively,” Dr. Mula said.

Dr. Myer G. Mula, Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, and FPA Davao, under the direction of Regional Officer Marrisa G. Napalit together with Provincial Officers Louie T. Palarao, Cheery Agrade, Imelda Q. Rasay, Rustom Gain Tanduyan, Junette A. Cano, and Evan C. Bojos led the inspections. ###

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

TAGUM CITY | March 22, 2024 – FPA Davao together with Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer G. Mula, conducted a consultation meeting with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Dealers Association of Davao del Norte (FAPDADI), Fertilizer and Pesticide Dealers Association of Compostela (FAPDACI), and Davao Oriental Fertilizer and Pesticide Dealers Association Inc. (DOFPDA) at the Heroben Hometel, Tagum City on March 20, 2024.

The meeting served as a platform for the officers to present and address pressing concerns affecting the industry. These included the problem of underweight fertilizers at different levels of the supply chain, the need for stricter regulations on fertilizer bagging, and considerations regarding the incorporation of PD 1144 into Republic Act (RA). Furthermore, issues surrounding the ‘Pakyawan basis’ at port bagging sites, accountability of dealers for underweight fertilizer bags, and proper labeling of fertilizer bags were also discussed.

In response to these challenges, industry stakeholders are committed to reinforce internal guidelines and policies to mitigate peddling issues within their organizations. Additionally, FPA emphasized the importance of dealers promptly reporting any instances of underweight fertilizer bags to enable swift corrective action.

Dr. Mula reiterated the FPA’s unwavering commitment to supporting farmers and underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial solutions. He acknowledged that while the FPA plays a pivotal role in regulation and oversight, the cooperation of all parties involved is paramount in effectively addressing industry concerns.

A total of twenty-nine (29) officers representing the three associations actively participated in the meeting, signaling a collective dedication to finding sustainable resolutions to industry challenges. ###

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

BICOL | March 18, 2024 – 121 fertilizer and pesticide establishments were inspected during the clean-up drive (CUD) operation conducted by FPA Bicol in Catanduanes and Camarines Sur II on March 11-15, 2024.

Twenty-six (26) dealers in Catanduanes and ninety-five (95) establishments across various municipalities in Camarines Sur II were inspected.

One unlicensed dealer was identified in Catanduanes, while six handlers in Camarines Sur II were discovered operating without a License to Operate (LTO) from the FPA and no trained ASD personnel. The dealers were served with Notice of Violations (NOV) and were required to apply for an FPA license.

To capacitate the dealers on the safe handling of fertilizers and pesticides, they were required to attend an Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training to be conducted on May 15-16, 2024, at San Agustin Pili, Camarines Sur.

The dealers also received cautionary advice against procuring off-specification products from companies facing suspension orders. They were advised to diligently inspect fertilizer bags before accepting deliveries, stressing the importance of utilizing only FPA-registered products to uphold quality and safety standards.

Regional Officer (RO) Mr. Gabriel B. Atole led the operation in Catanduanes along with Provincial Officers (POs) Engr. Christohper M. Nuñez and Mr. Rodny P. Conda. Meanwhile, PO Ms. Rosie T. Malazar, Mr. Winsor L. Nueva, Engr. Cris Legaspi and Engr. Ardon Ryan Nee Estuye conducted the inspection in Camarines Sur II.

The team also visited the Local Government Unit of Virac to discuss updates on establishing a Composting Facility for Biodegradable Waste (CFBW) under the Fortified Organic Fertilizer Development Program (FOFDP). ###

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

KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO | March 08, 2024 – On March 4-6, 2024, the FPA carried out a thorough inspection of dealers’ and fertilizer distributors’ warehouses in General Santos, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato, in an attempt to address the prevalence of underweight fertilizer bags in the market.

Leading the FPA Monitoring Team were Dr. Myer G. Mula, Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer; Edward Allen Calapatia, National Coordinator-Field Operations; and FPA SOCCSKSARGEN, under the direction of OIC-Regional Officer Maricel P. Tabigue, Provincial Officers Cherubin M. Alonzo, Jennie M. Basilio, and Joey B. Pascua.

Eight major fertilizer handlers namely: Abigail Farm Supply Inc.; Green Gems Farm Supply Corp,; IMBAS Dist. Corp.; JMB Agri Supply; LDA Agri Marketing; Lubaton Mktng. Inc.; Marbel Quality Farm Supply Corp; and RAID Inc. were inspected by the team.

Weighed were 1,306 bags of fertilizer of 11 different brands and grades, including the six major grades (46-0-0, 14-14-14, 21-0-0, 16-20-0, 0-0-60, and 18-46-0). Of these, 897 bags weighed less than the standard 50-kg net weight per bag.

Dr. Mula briefed the representatives of the enterprises on the importance of following the right specs for fertilizers not only with the declared nutrient standards but including the net weight declared on the product label, and the implication of those off-specs and how it can affect not only the fertilizer handlers, but most especially the farmers, as end-users.

Furthermore, he advised the fertilizer handlers to have random weighing every delivery of fertilizer, and report cases of underweight bags to their corresponding suppliers. For more accurate weight measurements, he also recommended to use a well-calibrated electronic weighing scale.

Additionally, Dr. Mula cautioned the business owners to be vigilant against the spread of off-specs fertilizer products (underweight, unregistered, and substandard) in the market.

The ramifications of non-compliance can be extensive, impacting not only the revenue of distributors and dealers but moreover the farmers’ value for money when buying fertilizers. Similarly, since fertilizer recommendations are on a per-bag basis, off-specs fertilizers can have a detrimental effect on the nutrient requirements of plants. Underdosage will have a negative impact on the crop productivity and yield, resulting to low income of farmers.

The monitoring team took note of the issues and concerns raised at the stakeholder’s meetings, these are important inputs to be used in the revision of the Fertilizer Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines (Bluebook). To ensure the integrity of the fertilizer market, Dr. Mula asked the handlers to fully collaborate with the FPA in enforcing these restrictions. The meeting was organized by FPA SOCCSKARGEN, and was held in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and Kidapawan City, North Cotabato, on March 4-5, 2024.

The FPA also advises the public, particularly farmers, to weigh fertilizer bags before purchasing them, examine them for physical flaws (such as a ripped or torn sack), and request a replacement if necessary. ###

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

CAGAYAN | March 11, 2024 – In an effort to uphold the agency’s commitment to continuous learning and improvement, five (5) personnel from the FPA Cagayan Valley completed a 40-hour basic training for Pollution Control Officers (PCO’s) via zoom on February 16-20, 2024.

The training was facilitated by SAGE Environmental Consultancy Inc., an accredited training agency under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB). It consisted of topics such as pollution control and hazardous waste management aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills for proper waste disposal and handling of toxic chemicals.

PCO’s play a crucial role in ensuring that businesses comply with environmental regulations, particularly those related to air, water, and soil pollution. As mandated by various laws including the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, the Solid Waste Management Act of 2003, and the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990, establishments emitting environmental contaminants are required to have certified PCOs overseeing their operations.

During the training, participants were briefed on the regulations outlined in these laws, as well as the procedures for obtaining permits for waste discharges and the associated requirements.

“Napakarami naming natutunan lalong lalo na tungkol sa disposal ng hazardous chemicals. Hindi pala basta-basta iniimbak at tinatapon kailangan pala ng permit kahit yung magtatapon at maghahandle”, said Mr. Henry C. Cayaban, Jr., PO, of Cagayan after passing the post examination.

He added that such training enabled them as field personnel to be knowlegeable on the proper handling of toxic chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, veterinary medicines, and other agricultural chemicals. Mishandling these substances can have serious health and environmental consequences, underscoring the importance of proper training and adherence to best practices.

Also attending the training were FPA Provincial Officers Mr. Noel A. Baliuag, Jr., Mr. Robert V. Salvador, and Mr. Rheymark Credo. Meanwhile, Mr. Leonardo A. Bangad, a Regional Officer, participated in a one-day training session for managing heads, which is a prerequisite for PCO accreditation. ###

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