Category: Articles

DAVAO CITY | AUGUST 8, 2022 – FPA Region XI and Croplife Regional Action Network (CRAN) X met with the City’s Agricultural Office (CAO) for possible collaboration on the proposed Empty Pesticide Container (EPC) retrieval project on August 3, 2022, at the City Agriculture’s Office Conference Hall. 

For the CAO to have a clearer picture of the proposed project, FPA and CRAN discussed the highlights from the previous meeting conducted last July 15, 2022. 

Some of the points discussed in the previous meeting include:

• challenges for the implementation of the EPC retrieval project;
• creating a team that includes the FPA, Croplife Philippines, Local Government Units, particularly the City/Municipal Agriculture’s Office and City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO); and
• tapping the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) for the legalities and other concerns on the implementation of the project.

The team also discussed their initial plans for the implementation of the EPC retrieval projects, to wit:

• contact Brgy. LGUs and CAO technicians since they will be in-charge in training the farmers in their respective areas;
• create a Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of the different government agencies, including the LGU and other chemical companies; 
• create a master list containing necessary information like name, address, chemicals used, and land area; and
• establishment of temporary storage (structure) for EPCs following the EMB standards.

The meeting was attended by the FPA team headed by Regional Officer (RO) Marrisa Napalit, Provincial Officer (PO) Rustom Gain Tanduyan, Ms. Catherine Sumagaysay from Syngenta, Mr. Lizter Anasco from CB Andrews, and Mr. Edgardo Haspe (OIC of the City Agriculture’s Office) and the rest of the CAO personnel. 

CAO will introduce the project during their Solid Waste Management Board (SWMB) meeting for their approval. The group, including the FPA and CRAN, will also be conducting a seminar-workshop for the agricultural technicians in September as part of plans to implement the EPC retrieval project. ###

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon | August 08, 2022 – FPA Northern Mindanao conducted an Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training for 62 individuals at the Garden Party Venue, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, last August 02, 2022.

Regional Officer (RO) Ma. Sonia C. Calleja led the presentation regarding the reasons for the increasing fertilizer prices. In her discussion, she highlighted that the global fertilizer crisis is due to the rising prices of fuel, the Ukraine-Russian conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, most fertilizer exporting countries prioritize their local distribution over exportation.

It is worth noting that the country has been for a long-time a net importer of fertilizers. About 90% of the country’s needs for fertilizer are mostly imported from China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In addition, some are being imported from Qatar, Canada, Korea, and the Middle East, while local production accounts for only 10% of the country’s fertilizer supply.

RO Calleja also discussed the recognition of pesticide poisoning and emphasized that pesticide handlers should be alert to the early stages of signs and symptoms of poisoning and immediately and completely remove the source of exposure, such as contaminated clothing (ASD Manual).

Provincial Officer (PO) Christie D. Lim presented the Agency’s mandate and highlighted the powers and functions of FPA as stipulated under Section 6 of PD 1144. While PO Charles Joseph C. Follosco discussed the soil, fertilizer, and plant growth.

Moreover, Ms. Cathy Sumagaysay from Syngenta Philippines Inc. discussed the safe handling and basic information about pesticides. She briefly explained the steps of efficient, effective use of pesticides and the importance of reading the label during buying, mixing, applying, and disposing of pesticides as part of their product stewardship and responsible care program.

The training is a prerequisite for acquiring License to Operate (LTO) as fertilizer and pesticide handlers.

The participants are expected to process their licenses in the next succeeding days to the FPA Regional Office. ###

Cagayan de Oro City | August 05, 2022 – Regional Officer (RO) Ma. Sonia C. Calleja discussed the fertilizer situation in the region to 30 handlers of Misamis Oriental last July 30, 2022, at Harbor Lights Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

RO Calleja explained the reasons for the increasing prices of fertilizers. In her discussion, she highlighted that the global fertilizer crisis is due to the rising costs of fuel, the Ukraine-Russian conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, most fertilizer exporting countries prioritize their local distribution over exportation. 

Provincial Officer (PO) Romnick N. Boctot discussed the implementation of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS).

BFS is a program established by the Department of Agriculture which pushes for the use of combined organic and inorganic inputs and other forms of strategy to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while promoting balanced fertilization in maintaining soil fertility. Mr. Boctot cited cover cropping or green manuring, individual farmer soil fertility map, and improved cropping systems.

He stressed the need to apply the 4Rs in fertilization: Right source, Right Placement, Right amount, and Right rate. This shall enhance soil health and productivity, prevent the decline in soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

He also added some of the other functions of FPA, which include the following:

• monitoring of fertilizer prices and inventory which include the country of origin, registration number, batch number, and lot
• updating and providing lists of registered fertilizers and licensed dealers; and
• conducting a random inspection of different FPA licensed dealers. ###

PADADA, DAVAO DEL SUR | AUGUST 08, 2022 – In order to obtain a License to Operate (LTO) as mango contractor, forty-one (41) mango contractors and growers attended the mango contractors training held at the Municipal Gymnasium, Padada, Davao del Sur on August 4, 2022. 

Regional Officer (RO) Marrisa Napalit discussed the PD 1144, including the creation, duties, responsibilities, and regulations of the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA). 

Provincial Officer (PO) Rustom Gain Tanduyan tackled the EO 522 of the PNP-FEO, MC 93-05, covering the FPA rules and regulations governing the mango industry and the acquisition of the use of nitrates. 

Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃) has inherent qualities beneficial to flower-inducing for mango and other crops. However, KNO₃ and other nitrates are substances that are found to be potentially carcinogenic and can be used for explosives. Therefore, importation, sale, possession, and use of these chemicals are restricted and subject to strict supervision by the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

PO Imelda Rasay discussed the recognition and first aid management of pesticide poisoning cases. The team also discussed the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS).

BFS is a program that includes the FPA, and other DA agencies involved in farming. The idea of the program is to institutionalize the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and other forms of strategies (i.e., green manuring or cover cropping, individual farm soil fertility maps, diversifying and improving cropping system, etc.) to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while maintaining soil structure and fertility.

The said strategy applies the 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent declining soil fertility and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

Agway Chemicals Corp. discussed the remaining technical topics, including plant nutrition, correct use of mango flower inducer, cultural practices, insect pests, disease management, pesticide information, classification, safe use in mango production, Mode of Action (MOA) Classification, Insecticide Resistance Action Committees (IRAC) and Fungicide Resistance Action Committees (FRAC).

The newly trained participants will be eligible to apply for a License to Operate (LTO) as mango contractor. ###

KAPALONG, DAVAO DEL NORTE | AUGUST 8, 2022 – FPA Davao Region promoted the safe and judicious use of crop protection products to 75 farmers during the Bayer Crop Science Field Activity conducted at Brgy. Maniki, Kapalong, Davao del Norte last August 02, 2022.

Regional Officer (RO) Marrisa G. Napalit discussed the proper handling and storage of farm inputs and the importance of reading the pesticide product label, specifically the Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) and the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL). She also emphasized the importance of wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and following good housekeeping practices. 

PHI is the minimum amount of time between the last application of a pesticide and when the crop can be harvested. On the other hand, MRL represents the maximum amount of pesticide residues that are expected to remain on a food product when the pesticide is used according to label directions. 

Moreover, FPA encouraged the farmers to patronize fertilizers and pesticides registered by the FPA and to only purchase those products from FPA-licensed dealers and distributors. They also asked them to be vigilant and be aware of the fake fertilizers and pesticides circulating in the market and report it to the nearest FPA office if they found someone selling these fake products.

Lanao del Norte | August 02, 2022 – Provincial Officer (PO) Lorna R. Sajol discussed the safe handling of pesticides and BFS during the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training for the Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs) last July 22, 2022, at Bebeth’s Casserole, Baroy, Lanao del Norte.

PO Sajol enumerated the following tips on how to handle the pesticides when in transit safely: 

• Do not carry pesticides with damaged containers. Leaky containers will cause contamination
• Load carefully. Pesticide products should be well-secured inside the vehicle
• Keep pesticides away from passengers and livestock
• Pesticides should never be transported in the same loading space as foodstuffs, animal feeds, or other goods intended for human consumption or use
• Unload pesticides with care

Moreover, the BFS program was introduced to the participants as an alternative solution to the increasing prices of fertilizers. 

BFS aims to institutionalize organic and inorganic fertilizers and other strategies (i.e. green manuring or cover cropping, individual farm soil fertility maps, diversifying and improving cropping system, etc.) to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while maintaining soil structure and fertility.

The said strategy applies the 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent declining soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

The LFTs are the model farmers in farming communities tapped by the Department of Agriculture to complement local agricultural extension workers (AEWs) in providing technical assistance to farmers.

The training was requested by the Various Support Services (VSS) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 and was attended by 15 LFTs from Lanao Del Norte. ###

Mlang, North Cotabato | August 02, 2022 – In coordination with the Green Crop Agri Ventures Corporation (GCAVC), the FPA RFU-XII and Bayer CropScience Philippines organized training on the safe and judicious use of pesticides for the 58 chemical handlers of GCAVC in Mlang, Cotabato, last July 22, 2022.

Provincial Officer (PO) Maricel P. Tabigue discussed the FPA’s mandates and its strategic thrusts and functions. “FPA being a technical regulatory Agency, is mandated to assure the public with adequate supplies of fertilizers and pesticides at reasonable prices. We also aim to educate the people on how to use these agricultural inputs properly,” PO Tabigue said.  

PO Jennie M. Basilio lectured on the importance of the safe handling of pesticides. She emphasized that pesticides are formulated to be toxic, and they can be dangerous if misused and mishandled. She also highlighted the following:

• All pesticides intended for commercial use in the Philippines shall be registered with FPA.
• Pesticide management focuses on maximizing the benefits of the chemical while minimizing its harmful effects.
• Importance of properly wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) 
• Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI), Maximum Residue Limits (MRL), and hazards of chemical residues to the human body.
• Triple rinsing and proper disposal of empty pesticide containers.

Mr. Allen Jay Ponce of Bayer CropScience Philippines also presented the product stewardship program. 

In addition, PO Joey B. Pascua explained the current fertilizer price situation and the reasons behind the increasing prices of fertilizers and emphasized that the Covid-19 and gas shortage significantly impacted the price trend. He also promoted the Balance Fertilization Strategy (BFS) program, which could reduce dependency on inorganic fertilizers.

The GCAVC management expressed their gratitude and commended the FPA team and Bayer CropScience Philippines for organizing the activity.

ILOCOS NORTE | August 02 – Provincial Officer (PO) Noel M. Tablada discussed the safe handling of pesticides and spray calibration during the DA-PhilRice’s RCEF – Rice Extension Services Program (RESP) on July 28, 2022, at PhilRice Gallery, NTA Bldg., Brgy. Tabug Batuc City, Ilocos Norte. 

PO Tablada discussed the importance of safe handling of pesticides emphasizing the following points:

• Pesticides are formulated to be toxic
• Pesticides can be dangerous if they are misused and handled wrongly
• Safe and effective handling and use of pesticides should be the concern of everyone
• Minimizing exposing oneself and the environment to the unwanted effects of pesticides

He also discussed the concept of calibration. Calibration is the process of determining the amount of spray solution delivered by specific equipment. This can be expressed on a “per minute” or “per unit area” by a spray man or individual who will be using the same equipment when applying pesticides in the field. This is important because this is part of calculating the desired dilution rates to meet a recommended dosage. 

A total of thirty-five (35) participants attended the training. They comprised agricultural extension workers (AEWs) and farm school owners from Region I. ###

Tantangan, South Cotabato | July 30, 2022– The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Regional Field Unit-XII, in coordination with the Agway Chemical Corporation, conducted a mango contractor training in Tantangan, South Cotabato, last July 28, 2022.

Provincial Officer (PO) Cherubin M. Alonzo discussed the FPA mandates and their functions. He also tackled Executive Order (EO) No. 522, covering the FPA rules and regulations governing the mango industry and the acquisition of use of nitrates.

Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃) has inherent qualities beneficial to flower-inducing for mango and other crops. However, KNO₃ and other nitrates are substances that are found to be potentially carcinogenic and can be used for explosives. Therefore, importation, sale, possession, and use of these chemicals are restricted and subject to strict supervision by the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Further, PO Jennie M. Basilio discussed the importance of the safe handling of pesticides. She emphasized that pesticides are formulated to be toxic, and they can be dangerous if misused and mishandled.

Fifty-six (56) mango growers from the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato participated in the training. The training taught the participants how to properly use potassium nitrate as a mango flower inducer and deepened their understanding of the safe and judicious use of fertilizers and pesticides.

The newly trained participants are expected to apply for their FPA License to Operate (LTO) as mango flower inducer and submit their application to the nearest FPA office. ###

CEBU CITY | August 01, 2022 – FPA Region VII conducted an orientation on the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) to 48 sweet corn and vegetable farmers in Sitio Luyo, Barangay Adlaon, Cebu City, on July 27, 2022.

Regional Officer (RO) Arnulfo Arausa, Jr. gave an overview of the activity and stressed the importance of BFS and how it can minimize production costs while improving crop quality.

BFS is a program that includes the FPA and other DA agencies involved in farming. The idea of the program is to institutionalize the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and other forms of strategies (i.e., green manuring or cover cropping, individual farm soil fertility maps, diversifying and improving cropping system, etc.) to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while maintaining soil structure and fertility.

Provincial Officer (PO) Andy Cornell Bornillo emphasized the concept of 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent the decline in soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

On the other hand, PO Sunday Flores discussed the Agency’s mandates and functions. PO Flores also reminded the farmers that they should buy fertilizers and pesticides from the FPA licensed dealers only to ensure the quality of the product.

Lastly, PO Jesus Muring shared the proper and safe handling of pesticides. “Pesticides help us produce more food and reduce food waste. However, it can be dangerous if misused,” PO Muring said. ###