Category: Articles

AMBAGUIO, NUEVA VIZCAYA | October 13, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Cagayan Valley conducted a seminar on the safe and judicious use of agricultural pesticides for 40 vegetable farmers in Barangay Salingsingan, Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya on October 13, 2022.

The discussion focused on proper safety procedures and first aid management in case of accidental pesticide poisoning in the field. FPA Regional Officer (RO) Leonardo A. Bangad reminded the farmers of the pernicious effect of agricultural pesticides if used improperly.

In addition, Provincial Officer (PO) Henry Cabayan Jr. discussed the general information about pesticides and its label, safe handling, possible chemical hazards, and prevention of pesticide poisoning. He highlighted the importance of reading the pesticide label before buying, mixing, applying/spraying, storing, and disposing.

“As we’re always saying, if you follow the label, there is nothing to worry. As food producers, we should be responsible not only to ourselves but also to our environment and, most of all, to our consumers,” said PO Cayaban, Jr.

FPA conducted the said seminar to educate and inform the farmers on the proper ways of responsibly using pesticide products following the reports from the National Poison and Management Center about the poisoning cases that happened in the barangay in March 2022.

The training was made possible with the help of LGU Ambaguio through its Municipal Agriculture Office, headed by Mr. Dick P. Dinungon, and Zhengbang Crop Protection Philippines, represented by Mr. Ericson Taberna. ###

LIGAO CITY, ALBAY | October 11, 2022 – Regional Officer (RO) Gabriel B. Atole attended Lakbay Palay: Bukid Tipid Tips, Subukan! on October 11, 2022, at the Department of Agriculture Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) branch station, Batang, Ligao City.

During the activity, RO Atole provided updates on the ongoing fertilizer situation. He explained the reasons for its rising prices, such as the world fertilizer market situation, China curtailing fertilizer export, the price increase of fertilizer grades, increased cost of raw materials, and increased transport and logistical expenses from importation to retail.

RO Atole then reiterated the efforts of the government to lessen the impact of fertilizer price hikes and encourage the farmers to do their part not to burn their rice straw but to let it decompose to the soil, which will serve as an additional source of fertilizer nutrients.

“We should go back to basic and enriched our soil to efficiently and effectively utilize the fertilizers and lessen our input cost,” he said.

In line with this, he informed that FPA, PhilRice, BSWM, and DA were partners in promoting the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) and Abonong Swak. BFS is an alternative way to lessen the dependency on commonly used chemical fertilizers and give enough balanced nutrients for plant growth.

DA-PhilRice organized the event, and 392 farmers from the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Sorsogon, and Northern Samar were in attendance.

Every year, DA conducts the event to showcase cost-reducing and yield-enhancing rice and rice-based production technologies and provide avenues to discuss it with farmers and extension workers. Through its Bukid Tipid Tips Tekno Klinik Sessions, the farmer gathered information on Inbred and Hybrid Rice Varieties and Characteristics, Abonong Swak, and Pest Management.

In addition, DA Regional Field Office 5 presented the different programs of the Department of Agriculture that will alleviate the farm productivity and income of the farmers. They also promoted different banner programs and projects such as seed distribution, fertilizer discount vouchers, financial assistance, fuel subsidy, and provision of farm machinery throughout the activity. ###

BANISILAN, NORTH COTABATO | October 7, 2022 – Bukidnon Agricultural Dealers Association (BASDA), together with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority Region X, conducted an outreach program at Balindong Elementary School in Banisilan, North Cotabato last October 7, 2022.

BASDA is composed of fertilizer and pesticide (F/P) dealers in the province of Bukidnon. One of their responsibilities is to promote the proper use of F/P for human and environmental protection as part of their product stewardship and responsible care program and extend generosity for community service.

During the activity, food packs, school supplies, bags for the pupils, tokens, souvenirs for teachers, cash donations for the school, and seeds and chemicals for the “Gulayan sa Paaralan Program” were distributed. In addition, FPA Northern Mindanao participated by giving 98 pairs of slippers to the pupils.

The activity wouldn’t be possible without the cooperation of the F/P companies namely:

1. Agrotiger Philippines Corporation

2. Aktiv Multi Trading Co. Philippines. Inc.

3. Amigo Planters Fertilizer

4. Bayer Crop Science Philippines

5. Bioseed Research Phils. Inc.

6. Biostadt Philippines Inc.

7. C.B Andrew Philippines Inc.

8. Corteva Agriscience Philippines Inc.

9. Evo Gene Seeds Corp.

10.SL Biotech Corp.

11.Syngenta Philippines

12.Vast Agro Solutions Inc.

To commend the efforts for this activity, BASDA initiated the giving of certificates to its members as well as to F/P industries. ###

LIGAO CITY, ALBAY | October 11, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority Bicol Region attended the PhilRice Bicol Farmer’s Field Day to address the concerns of the farmers on the increasing prices of fertilizers at the PhilRice Bicol Station, Batang, Ligao City on October 7, 2022.

FPA Regional Officer (RO) Gabriel B. Atole explained the factors influencing the global fertilizer situation price trend as follows: 1) the world fertilizer market situation, 2) China curtailing of fertilizer export, 3) the price increase of fertilizer grades, 4) the Philippines as a net importer of fertilizers, 3) strengthened global fertilizer demand, 4) increased cost of raw materials, and 5) increased transport and logistical expenses from importation to retail.

He also highlighted the different interventions of DA & FPA to mitigate the impact of fertilizer price hikes on farmers and crop production. These included the distribution of fertilizer discount vouchers to farmers and the adoption of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS).

BFS is recognized site-specific nutrient management to improve fertilizer use efficiency and 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 that leads to soil health building (BSWM, 2020).

In addition, he informed them that adapting the balanced fertilization using combined inorganic fertilizers and organic materials readily available in the farms could reduce the dependence on inorganic fertilizer and decrease fertilizer costs without sacrificing the yield and, at the same time, enriching the soil.

The said activity was facilitated by the Rice Specialists’ Training Course (RSTC) participants and also attended by different partner agencies such as the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), and Bureau of Plant Industry – National Seed Quality Control Services (BPI-NSQCS). Furthermore, before the end of the program, the facilitators provided an open forum, “Palaytalakayan,” to address the concerns of farmer participants..

The farmers in attendance were from the barangays of Sta. Cruz, Binanowan, Bongoran, Ligao City and Balogo, Oas, Albay. ###

SOCCSKSARGEN | October 6, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority SOCCSKSARGEN inspected the six (6) wastewater treatment facilities of Dole Philippines Inc. located at Barangay Polo and Cannery Site, Polomolok, Surallah, and T’boli, South Cotabato on September 21-22, 2022.

The inspection was in response to the briefing on the procedure and technical requirements for the issuance of a certification allowing the safe reuse of wastewater for fertilization that happened at Dole Philippines Inc., Polomolok, South Cotabato, last September 20, 2022.

FPA XII team headed by Regional Officer (RO) Alita C. Bornea, with the Provincial Officers (PO) Jennie M. Basilio, PO Cherubin M Alonzo, PO Maricel P. Tabigue, PO Joey B. Pascua, and Dole Philippines Inc. representatives attended the said briefing in which Mark Kevin Salita, a representative from FPA-Fertilizer Regulatory Division, led the discussion on the reuse of wastewater for fertilization. In addition, Dole Philippines Inc.-Environmental Compliance Superintendent Mr. Ariel P. Autida briefed the team on the company’s situation in disposing of their wastewater and other related information.

Under Administrative Order No. 26 Series of 2007, all wastewater generators for fertilization and other agricultural uses shall secure a discharge permit from the DENR, and the discharge permit requires submission of a certification of safe wastewater reuse from the Department of Agriculture. This is in line with the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

During the inspection, the team witnessed the disposing process of wastewater in the field.

The said activity was conducted to train the FPA XII Field Officers on the actual inspection of wastewater for the issuance of a certification allowing the safe reuse of wastewater for fertilization and as compliance of Dole Philippines Inc. for their application. ###

 Source: Philippines, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary. (n.d.). ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 26 SERIES OF 2007.

DAVAO CITY | October 5, 2022 – A total of 250 bags of five (5) fertilizer grades were inspected during the massive random weighing conducted on all major importers and distributors in Davao City on October 10, 2022.

The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority conducted their random weighing operation in the Yara warehouse at Ilaeco Bldg., Brgy. Ilang and in the Davao City port at TEFASCO, both in Brgy. Ilang, Bunawan District Davao City. During the operation, the team weighed fifty (50) bags per fertilizer grade, including YaraMila Winner, Yara Viking Prilled and Granular, YaraLiva Tropicote, Yara Liva, Yara Mila, Swire 14-14-14, and Swire 21-0-0.

Findings concluded that all bags conformed to the required standard weight.

The operation was in line with the agency’s mandate to protect the farmer’s interest and ensure that all fertilizer bags sold in the market meet the standard weight set forth by FPA. Test weights were used as a calibration method to gauge properly all the weighing scales used on the random weighing operations.

The agency will keep on conducting another series of random weighing for the next batches of fertilizers.

The team was composed of Regional Officer Ms. Marrisa G. Napalit and Provincial Officer Mr. Louie T. Palarao. ###

 Photos: FPA Davao Region Facebook page

SAMAL CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE | September 30, 2022 – Twenty (20) participants from the Provincial Mango Research Extension Center (PMREC) attended the training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) held in Brgy. San Isidro, Babak, Island Garden City of Samal.

Provincial Agriculture’s Office of Davao del Norte organized the training, and Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) XI Regional Officer (RO) Marrisa G. Napalit and Provincial Officer (PO) Cheery B. Agrade served as resource speakers to discuss GAP.

GAP refers to the practices that address environmental, economic, and social sustainability for on-farm processes, resulting in safe and quality food and nonfood agricultural products (Republic Act No. 10611).

The discussion focused on the GAP’s modules on environmental management and workers’ health, safety, and welfare. They tackled the potential hazards or negative environmental impacts on and off the property due to the production, harvesting, and post-harvest handling of mangoes while pointing out steps for managing the risk of hazards.

Other topics discussed by speakers were the proper use and handling of agricultural inputs, proper wearing of PPEs, the importance of Pesticide Label information, including first aid management in case of accidental poisoning, Maximum Residue Limit (MRL), Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI), Re-entry Period, Empty Pesticide Container Triple-Rinsing, Disposal, etc.

The GAP Training is essential to these mango growers as part of their Farmer’s Field School of the Season-Long Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on mango production in the city. ###

 Photos: FPA Davao Region Facebook page

SOCCSKSARGEN | October 5, 2022 – FPA Field Officers conducted a series of pull-out activities in the Province of South Cotabato and North Cotabato on September 28, 2022, and October 5, 2022, under the recent FPA Memorandum issued on August 25, 2022.

A total of 278 50-kg bags, including 200 bags of Turbo Prime 14-14-14; 36 bags of Turbo Prime Multi Elements; and 42 bags of Turbo Prime 16-20-0, were pulled out from 6-licensed dealers in the province of South Cotabato on September 28, 2022.

In addition, field officers pulled out another 157 50-kg bags of Turbo Prime 14-14-14 and 23 50-kg bags of Turbo Prime Multi Elements from 7-licensed dealers in the province of North Cotabato last October 5, 2022.

The said fertilizer products received Stop Use, Move, Sale (SUMS) Hold Order since they failed to meet the required guaranteed analysis based on the results of the recent laboratory analyses conducted by the FPA Laboratory Service Division (LSD). Therefore, it violated Presidential Decree No. 1144 and would result in the suspension of their License to Operate (LTOs) and Certificate of Product Registrations (CPRs).

Through the company’s representative, pulled-out fertilizers would be delivered and stored temporarily in the Northern Prime Trading Warehouse located in Panabo, Davao City, while waiting for the company’s advice regarding the final disposal of the off-spec products.

The FPA Central Office has recommended actions for the company to comply within the prescribed time. Moreover, field officers reminded them not to violate any provisions of P.D 1144 again; otherwise, there would be heavier penalties and sanctions.

From August to September 2022, 496 50-kg bags of Turbo Prime were pulled out of the 939 50-kg bags withheld by the Field Officers in the region. The schedule of pull-out activities in Sarangani, GenSan, and Sultan Kudarat is not yet set by the company.

FPA Regional Officer Alita C. Bornea supervised the activities, along with Provincial Officers Jennie M. Basilio and Maricel P. Tabigue. ###

 Reference: FPA Memorandum: List of Companies with outstanding suspension orders. August 25, 2022.

PANABO CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE | September 28, 2022 – Seventeen (17) participants from various high-value commodity specializations (banana, mango, durian, and vegetables) attended the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training in Brgy. Nanyo, Panabo City, Davao del Norte on September 28, 2022.

FPA Regional Officer (RO) Marrisa G. Napalit and Provincial Officer (PO) Cheery B. Agrade served as resource speakers and discussed the two (2) modules of the PhilGAP.

GAP refers to the practices that address environmental, economic and social sustainability for on-farm processes, and which result in safe and quality food and nonfood agricultural products (Republic Act No. 10611).

During the discussion, RO Napalit highlighted the GAP’s recommendations on environmental management and worker’s health, safety, and welfare. Meanwhile, PO Agrade further emphasized the proper use and handling of agricultural inputs, proper wearing of PPEs, the importance of pesticide label information, and first aid management in case of accidental poisoning.

The training was organized through the initiation of the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Davao Region together with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office XI PhilGAP Team. ###

 Source: Agricultural Training Institute. Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP). [Brochure]

CAMARINES SUR | September 2022 – Thirty-three (33) out of 59 fertilizer and pesticide (F/P) handlers received Notice of Violations (NoVs) during the Clean-Up Drive (CUD) operation on September 20-23, 2022, in the 3rd, 4th and 5th districts of Camarines Sur.

During the operation, FPA Bicol Region found 25 unlicensed dealers and required them to attend the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training which is a requirement to secure an FPA license.

Meanwhile, six (6) handlers selling underweight fertilizers were found during the random weighing and inspection. The field officers reported the findings to the FPA Central Office, and the Regional Officer recommended calling the attention of the importer/manufacturer of the said underweight fertilizers.

The two (2) establishments also received Stop Use, Move, Sale (SUMS) Hold Orders for selling Turbo Prime Complete 14-14-14, which is still under suspension due to off-specification. The manufacturers were already coordinated to pull out the concerned products from the store as required for their compliance.

Compliant dealers, on the other hand, were commended and encouraged to be partners of FPA in ensuring the safety and quality of the fertilizer and pesticide users. Regional Officer (RO) Gabriel B. Atole reminded them to avoid purchasing off-spec products from companies with suspension orders and to only buy from legitimate suppliers. The random weighing was also advised to the dealers to check if the fertilizer products were in the standard weights.

The team was headed by RO Atole, together with FPA-Cam. Sur and Catanduanes Provincial Officer (PO) Engr. Christopher M. Nuñez, FPA-Cam. Norte PO Engr. Cris L. Legaspi, FPA-Albay PO Mr. Winsor L. Nueva, FPA-Masbate PO Mr. Rodny P. Conda and FPA-Sorsogon PO Engr. Ardon Ryan E. Nee-Estuye. ###