Category: Articles

MASBATE CITY, MASBATE | October 19, 2022 – Forty-seven (47) mango farmers/growers attended the 1st Mango Contractor’s Training conducted by Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Bicol Region in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist – Masbate and Leads Agricultural Products Corporation on October 19, 2022 at Cherish Resort, JM Robredo Road, Espinosa, Masbate City.

FPA Regional Officer (RO) Gabriel B. Atole introduced to the participants the agency, Presidential Decree 1144, and the regulations governing the mango flower inducer contractors.

To further dive into the discussion, the resource person from Philippine National Police Masbate Provincial Firearms and Explosive Division and Canine Unit PSSG Ralph Jesus S. Huelva enlightened the participants on the regulations governing the acquisition and use of agricultural nitrates as stated in the Republic Act (RA) 9516. Mr. Huelva also sorted out the proper documents, licenses, and permits that the farmers need to handle and use agricultural nitrates.

In addition, Engr. Kent Reynard Muñoz, Mango Focal Person from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist – Masbate, briefed the participants on the mango industry in Masbate and the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for mango production.

Leads Agri Assistant Vice President for Technical Mr. Sherwin Hermosa discussed plant nutrition, proper use of mango flower inducer, pest and disease management, and pesticide information and classification, as well as the safe and effective use of pesticides.

FPA Provincial Officer (PO) Rodny P. Conda later oriented the farmers on the recognition and first aid management of pesticide poisoning, and the mango contractor licensing requirements.

The mango contractor refers to a person or entities that enter into a contract with a mango grower to service his trees (from flower induction to harvesting) for a fee or on sharing basis. The FPA, as a regulatory agency, regulates the mango contractors in using the FPA-approved flower inducer and issues a License to Operate as a mango flower inducer contractor. Thus, one of the requirements is to attend this training.

To close out the training, RO Atole thanked the different mango stakeholders and emphasized the proper coordination, documentation, and compliance with the different rules and regulations governing the mango contractors. ###

DAVAO DEL SUR | October 18 & 20, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) joined the consultation meeting conducted in Brgy. Matti in Digos City (October 18, 2022), and Brgy. Leling in Hagonoy (October 20, 2022) to discuss the regulations governing mango spraying and the banning of some practices that affected the lives of the nearby communities.

During the meeting, the Local Government and FPA through Provincial Officer (PO) Imelda Q. Rasay initiated the reformatting of the Mango Spraying Standard Procedures by correcting the conventional and inappropriate ways of Mango Pest and Disease Control.

This is in response to the concern regarding the excessive use of chemical inputs for pest and disease control, the timing of application, inconsiderate application of pesticides among nearby communities in mango production, and amending the foregoing ordinance made by the Local Government Unit (LGU) banning mango spraying in residential areas.

PO Rasay cited the importance of the safe and judicious use of pesticides which could lessen the exposure of the chemical handlers as well as the residue and other measures to avoid pesticide drift/inhalation.

Throughout the dialogue, the officials agreed and implemented new guidelines for mango spraying, such as:

1. To sacrifice two (2) fruit trees that will not be sprayed but serve as a buffer zone;

2. Provide signages/notice of spraying schedules two (2) days ahead;

3. Use only Category 3 and 4 chemicals and choose lesser odor;

4. Use only chemicals registered by FPA (City Ag Technician will check/observe during one of their operations);

5. To observe time, weather, and wind velocity to avoid drift;

6. Plant trees to serve as buffers like calumpang and madre de cacao; and

7. To conduct an immediate half-day orientation seminar among mango spray men and the residents on the proper and safe use of pesticides scheduled on October 27, 2022, at the Brgy. Gym, Matti, Digos City, Davao del Sur.

Further, PO Rasay also reminded the sprayers to be aware of the hazards of using pesticides and safeguard themselves through the use of PPEs.

The next step of the dialogue is to conduct a half-day safety seminar for the farmers and residents informing them of their right to a clean air environment.

Overall, 23 participants were in attendance, including the Barangay LGU, City Agriculture, City Health, City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and FPA, together with the respondents, mango contractors, and residents of said barangays. ###

BOHOL | October 25, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Region 7 conducted a series of training on safe and judicious use of fertilizer and pesticide (F/P) to the three established Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) villages in Brgy. Buenos Aires, Carmen, Brgy. Paraiso, Mabini and Brgy. Taming, Danao in the province of Bohol last October 19-21, 2022.

During the training, Regional Officer Arnulfo Arausa, Jr. provided updates on the fertilizer price situation in the market. He then stressed the importance of adopting the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) by combining the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers to cut the cost of production while improving soil condition and quality of crops. The said strategy uses 4rs in Nutrient Stewardship concept: Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time and Right Place.

Provincial Officer (PO) Andy Cornell Bornillo refreshed the participants on the agency’s mission, mandate, scope of activities, powers and functions and shared valuable information on pesticide general information.

On the other hand, PO Jesus Muring discussed the proper and safe handling of pesticide and reminded the participants of the possible dangers if misused and handled incorrectly. He emphasized the importance of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) while handling pesticide.

In addition, PO Muring encouraged them to adopt the Integrated Pest Management Principles in crop production. The Integrated pest management (IPM) approach combines the use of biological, cultural and chemical practices to control insect pests.

FPA Region VII also gave out informational materials such as Gabay sa Tamang Paggamit ng Abono at Pestisidyo to the participants for additional references.

This training was in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture 7 and Bohol Agricultural Promotion Center thru Adoption and Mitigation Initiatives in Agriculture (AMIA) Program which aimed to increase the farmers’ level of awareness in the proper and responsible use of F/P. Ninety-eight (98) participants were in attendance. ###

DAVAO ORIENTAL | OCTOBER 18-20, 2022 – Fifty-four (54) dealers joined the 2-day cluster meeting initiated by the Davao Oriental Fertilizer and Pesticide Dealers Association Inc. (DOFPDA Inc.). The team visited Mati City and 11 other municipalities in Davao Oriental.

During the cluster meeting, Provincial Officer (PO) Junette Cano gave updates regarding fake, unregistered and off-specs fertilizer and pesticide products, and underweight fertilizers.

DOFPDA President Rolito B. Padpad and the rest of the officials discussed the agenda and encouraged all existing members of the association, especially the new ones, to establish close coordination with FPA and support the association’s goals and objectives.

The cluster meeting and visitation aim to maximize the presence of DOFPDA to all its members and for the association to grow. DOFPDA was established in 2018, with its official registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in January 2020.

Furthermore, the DOFPDA looks forward in conducting its General Assembly this coming December. ###

IGUIG, CAGAYAN | October 20, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority Provincial Officer (PO) Arwin Cardenas discussed the responsible use of agricultural pesticides with local farm technicians on October 19, 2022 at DA-SCRC, Minanga, Iguig, Cagayan as one of the partners in developing and training the farmers’ trainer.

During the discussion, PO Cardenas highlighted the importance of being a responsible user of pesticides. He emphasized that pesticides should and always be the last resort in combating pests on the farm.

“Every time we use pesticides, we should consider it always as toxic. Therefore, extra care should always be employed”, Mr. Cardenas said during his discussion.

PO Cadenas also reminded the participants of their roles as leaders and that the farmers in their area were looking up to them as their models. Hence, it was crucial to show them the principle of good agricultural practices.

Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) led and initiated this series of training that aims to capacitate trainers of farm schools, farmer-leaders, and other Extension Service Providers in the region.

There were more than 30 participants, including agricultural technicians, farmer leaders, and local farmer technicians. They will serve as agents of technology transfer to farmers to make them more competitive and develop skills in decision-making. ###

KAPALONG, DAVAO DEL NORTE | October 12, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Davao team conducted a blended inspection of a Field Experimental Station/Trial Site as well as On-Site facilities in Kapalong, Davao del Norte last October 12, 2022.

During the inspection, FPA checked the occupational health, industrial hygiene, safety and security, and organizational aspect of the facility, if the company conformed to the standards set forth by the agency.

Subsequently, the experimental field station passed the inspection, and the Pesticide Regulations Division would send the final result for further examination since the findings serve as a prerequisite for the issuance of the certificate and the renewal of the license to operate.

This was in line with the agency’s mandate to check/validate the Experimental Use Permit (EUP) Trial Site, standard operating procedures, and compliance.

Regional Officer (RO) Marrisa Napalit spearheaded the activity along with Provincial Officer (PO) Cheery Agrade, while personnel from the Pesticide Regulations Division attended via Zoom. Representatives from Bayer Crop Science assisted the team. ###

DIGOS CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR | October 18, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Davao del Sur, together with the Top Agro Products Co. and Barangay Local Government Unit (LGU), conducted a “Farmer’s IEC Campaign” in Brgy. Dulangan, Digos City on October 12, 2022.

The campaign focused on updating the farmers on the current development of technology on farming techniques associated with pesticide problems and aimed to reach out to the farmers on the proper and safe use of crop protection products. In line with this, FPA provided awareness and other technical know-how on safe and judicious use of pesticides during the discussion.

FPA Provincial Officer (PO) Imelda Rasay highlighted the GAP’s modules on environmental management and worker’s health, safety, and welfare. She also emphasized the proper use of chemicals such as PHI (Pre-harvest Interval), MRL (Maximum Residue Limit), re-entry period, disposal of pesticides, awareness of pesticide’s shelf life, first aid on pesticide poisoning cases, and the like.

In addition, farmers were also reminded to always read the label and follow its proper use as well as the recommended crops to be applied with to avoid the risk of improper/misuse of pesticide. FPA also provided information materials such as Gabay sa Tamang Paggamit ng Abono at Pestisidyo, and other brochures for additional reference.

PO Imelda Rasay, Top Agro Products General Trade Manager Mr. Chito Eltagonde, and the rest of the Barangay LGU spearheaded the said Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign where 30 Brgy. officials and members of Dulangan Mango Farmers Association attended. ###

DIGOS CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR | October 14, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Provincial Officer (PO) Ms. Imelda Rasay discussed safe pesticide handling on DXKL 97.5 Radyo Astig last October 14, 2022.

The radio guesting was part of FPA’s commitment to providing knowledge-based awareness on the safe and judicious use of agricultural inputs and updates.

In her fourth radio guesting, she continuously focused on the proper storage and disposal of pesticides as part of good housekeeping practices.

“Good storage of pesticides involves the control of all factors that may cause deterioration of the stored products. These factors may be physical (heat, humidity), biological (molds, insects), chemical (acidity, corrosion), or mechanical (pressure packing). Even under optimum storage conditions, some products may spoil after some time,” Ms. Rasay added.

Moreover, PO Rasay highlighted the importance of good housekeeping, such as storekeeping, checking for some leaks and spills, decontamination, recording system, safety requirements, triple-rinsing and puncturing of empty pesticide containers, and more. She emphasized the importance of safety in handling pesticides and why farmers should be aware of proper labeling and its toxicity levels to avoid accidents such as poisoning.

FPA will continue to guest on the program every 2nd Friday of the month on DXKL 97.5 Radyo Astig in Digos City, Davao del Sur.

The said radio program was co-sponsored by the United Top Agro Products with General Trade Manager Mr. Chito Eltagonde, which was also live-streamed on Facebook.###

You can watch the livestream here:

https://www.facebook.com/100072381342371/videos/394735246053195/

CAMARINES SUR | October 17, 2022 – Forty-one (41) participants from Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and Albay attended the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training held at Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Building, Airport Road, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur on October 11-12, 2022.

To start the program, Provincial Officer of Camarines Sur (PO) Christopher M. Nuñez gave an overview of the Two-Day ASD training and clarified the purpose of training as one of the prerequisites in applying for FPA License to Operate as a dealer. This training also served as a help to the dealers with no licenses found during the regular inspections and Clean Up drive operations.

PO Ardon Ryan E. Nee-Estuye presented the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority to the participants. He also highlighted the role of ASD personnel as frontline to farmers purchasing fertilizer and pesticide products.

ASD refers to an individual who attended the 2-day training conducted by FPA and passed the examinations administered by the Regional Field Units (RFUs). They must be present at the store during business hours to properly dispense fertilizer and pesticide products to farmers and supervise, advise, and assist buyers on the safe handling and storage of agricultural inputs.

The discussion during the first day focused on pesticides: General Information on Pesticides and its Label, Pesticide Safe Handling, Storage and Transport, Pesticide Poisoning and First Aid, Understanding Integrated Pest Management Concept, and Insecticide Resistance Management.

On the second day, provincial officers discussed Soil, Fertilizer, and Plant Growth, Types of Fertilizer and Plant Growth Promoters, Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) Program, and Fertilizer Handling and Storage. The licensing requirements and good housekeeping were also discussed so that the dealers could prepare the license applications and comply with the FPA’s good housekeeping requirements during the inspection of FPA personnel.

In addition, Regional Officer Gabriel B. Atole addressed the reasons behind the fertilizer price hike & informed the participants of the list of off-specs fertilizer circulating the market.

The team reminded the participants to purchase only FPA-registered fertilizer and pesticide products from FPA-licensed handlers. In case of doubt about their purchased fertilizer and pesticide products, they could contact the assigned Provincial Officer in their area or visit the FPA website and FPA Region V Facebook page for more information.

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

CATBALOGAN, SAMAR | October 13, 2022 – Fifty (50) aspiring dealers in the region of Samar attended the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training in Cocina de Carbral, Catbalogan, Samar, last Oct. 5-6, 2022.

ASD training is a prerequisite in securing a license provided by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) to operate as a dealer of fertilizer and pesticide (F/P) products and aims to train store owners/proprietors, Individual Business Owners (IBOs) on the proper dispensing of the products.

On the first day, FPA conducted a pre-test examination to assess participants’ prior understanding of the topics and the introduction of the Agency, including the excerpts regarding updates, outlooks, and trends. Afterward, FPA Region VIII discussed the soil fertilizer, plant growth, and proper F/P handling, storage, and transport.

In addition, Mr. Dante Diadula from Longping Hybrid Rice covered the Review Module and Examination of Hybrid Rice, while Mr. Jelfried Bentalanon from LEADS-Agri covered General Pesticide Information.

Various topics were also discussed on the second day of the training, such as pesticide poisoning and first aid, understanding of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and fertilizer and pesticide registration and licensing.

The last part of the training was a post-test examination to see if the participants understood the topics discussed over the two-day training. At the end of the two-day course, the Agency expected that participants would be able to discuss with their clientele the proper use and handling of fertilizer and pesticide, as well as precautionary measures and the right kind of agricultural inputs for their farm.

The said training was organized by FPA Regional Field Unit VIII headed by Mr. Francis Salvador Costas, along with the Provincial Officers Eric C. Castañas, John Mar L. Nosura, Gary De la Cruz, Claudette Mae Terciño, and Loreto Macabio Jr. ###