Category: Articles

QUEZON CITY | July 29, 2022 – To evaluate the conformity and effectiveness of the implementation of the FPA-Quality Management System, the FPA Internal Quality Audit (IQA) team headed by Ms. Suzettie Alcaide, together with the 38 auditors, conducted its planned audit based on their approved audit program from July 13 to 27, 2022 via blended approach. 

The scope of the audit includes the FPA-Quality Management System on issuing licenses, registrations, and permits for fertilizer, pesticide, and other agricultural chemicals covering from July 24, 2021 until July 22, 2022. Audit criteria were based on ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 17025:2017, and ISO 19011:2018 standards, applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and FPA’s policies, procedures, and guidelines.

The auditors classified their findings as positive, including best practices, an Opportunity for Improvement (OFI), and Non-Conformity (NC). NCs are given to the process owners who fail to follow the standards indicated in the ISO standards.

The IQA team concluded the two-week audit with fifty-one (51) NCs, which is 150% higher than the previous audit findings conducted in 2021. Although there was a notable increase in the number of NCs, the team attributed to the improvement of the audit procedure and longer duration of auditing per process. 

NCs were issued to the process owners through Non-Conformity Corrective Action Report (NCAR) form within 24 hours after the audit. The accomplished NCAR shall be returned to the auditor within five (5) working days upon receipt. The auditor shall verify the immediate corrective action, the root cause analysis, and the implementation of corrective actions based on the agreed date indicated in the NCAR form. 

The team commended the FPA Management and all the process owners for their commitment to continually improving the FPA QMS, demonstrated by actively cooperating with the IQA team during the internal audit. 

Despite the NCs, the FPA Management acknowledged the result of the internal audit and pledged to take necessary actions to address these findings and commit to continual improvement. ###

NUEVA VIZCAYA & ISABELA | August 01, 2022 – FPA Cagayan Valley conducted the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training to 41 participants in Nueva Vizcaya last July 26-27, 2022 and 62 participants in Isabela last July 28-29, 2022. 

The activity aims to educate the dealers on the FPA rules and regulations, proper fertilizer and pesticide handling, and general information on these agricultural inputs. 

“Your presence in the store is needed to advise and dispense fertilizers and pesticides to farmers,” said Mr. Keith Vincent I. Mabanag during his lecture on FPA’s mandate. 

“This is the first time I have attended this kind of training. Now I know what to tell my customers, and I am already knowledgeable on the rules and regulations of FPA,” one of the participants said during the training in Nueva Vizcaya. 

The participants were also warned about the proliferation of unregistered, smuggled, and fake fertilizers and pesticides sold in the region. Regional Officer (RO) Leonardo A. Bangad informed them that if they see someone selling fake fertilizers and pesticides in the market, they can report it to the FPA for their prompt action.

The prescribed label formats per type of packaging and product of fertilizers and pesticides are posted on the Agency’s website and Facebook page. Moreover, the updated registered products can also be accessible through this link: https://fpa.da.gov.ph/NW/index.php/information-resources/data/registered-products.

“Be aware of the products you will purchase. You should be vigilant. If you are in doubt about the products offered to you, just contact us so we can check if it is legit or not. Let us help each other to improve our agricultural sector,” RO Bangad said during his inspirational message. 

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. ###

LIGAO CITY, ALBAY | July 28, 2022 – FPA – Camarines Sur Provincial Officer (PO) Engr. Christopher M. Nunez discussed the safe handling of pesticides and spray calibration during the Rice Specialists’ Training Course (RSTC) organized by DA-PhilRice last July 20, 2022, at DA-PhilRice Bicol Station, Batang, Ligao City, Albay.

He discussed the basic concepts of agricultural pesticides, including the types, classifications, hazards, risk exposure, and general information on pesticide labels. He also included in his presentation the safe handling during transport and storage, disposal of empty pesticide containers, effective use of agricultural pesticides, and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and first aid treatment.

The last part of the discussion was the sprayer calibration. Engr. Nunez emphasized the benefits and importance of calibration on the commonly used 16-liter tank capacity knapsack sprayer. Some factors that affect the calibration include the travel speed, spray pressure, swath width, nozzle discharge, and tank capacity.

To conclude the activity, participants were given exercises to assess whether they fully grasped the sprayer calibration principles. The participants calculated the application rate per hectare, number of knapsack loads per ha, spraying duration in a particular region, and pesticide quantity for each tank load.

The RSTC is designed to develop a new generation of rice specialists who are not just technically competent but fully equipped to support the implementation of the RCEF Extension Services Program (RESP) implementation.

A total of twenty-nine (29) participants participated in the training. They were composed of agricultural extension workers (AEWs) and farm school owners from Masbate, Sorsogon, and Albay Provinces. ###

PAGADIAN CITY | July 28, 2022 – FPA Region IX conducted an Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training for 21 participants held at Springland Resort, Lumbia District, Pagadian City Zamboanga del Sur, on July 26-27, 2022.

Provincial Officer (PO) Charlie Limbag discussed the FPA mandates, functions, guidelines, and first aid management, while PO Michael Tuico presented the soil fertilizer and plant growth. On the other hand, PO Dionn Mark Bohol gave a lecture on fertilizer handling and storage, MoA labeling, insect resistance management, reasons behind the fertilizer price increase, and the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS). Further, PO Paulyne Kim Alfuente discussed pesticide safe handling and transport.

Regional Officer (RO) Alex S. Paalisbo expressed his profound appreciation to the participants who attend the training. “As trained personnel, you must also ensure the safe and efficient use of agricultural inputs and provide your customers with helpful tips. Therefore, give value to the farmers and build rapport, and sales will follow,” RO Paalisbo said during his closing remarks.

Accredited Safety Dispenser (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.

All the participants who attended the training passed the ASD examination. They are expected to submit their ASD requirements to the Regional Office in the next succeeding days. ###

PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR | July 26, 2022 – FPA Zamboanga Peninsula conducted a seminar on Regulatory Updates on Guidelines, Regulations, and Harmonize Field Promotion Approach for agro-chemical field workers on July 22, 2022, at Springland Resort in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

The activity aims to promote the safe and responsible use of agricultural pesticides and orient the agro-chemical companies on the Agency’s mandate.

Mr. Alex S. Paalisbo, Regional Officer (RO) of FPA Zamboanga Peninsula, discussed the Agency’s mandates and functions. “The Regional Field Units (RFUs) are the Agency’s operational arms that execute plans and programs based on authorized policies and standards. Rest assured that we are monitoring and implementing these requirements in our regions,” Mr. Paalisbo emphasized.

On the other hand, Provincial Officer (PO) Dionn Mark M. Bohol explained the general information on pesticides, including the importance of understanding the product labels. At the same time, PO Charlie D. Limbag enumerated the requirements for the registration of chemical pesticides and MoA labeling.

Additionally, PO Michael P. Tuico discussed the purpose of the product stewardship program. Product stewardship is a requirement for all pesticide companies/registrants. It is a training given to all licensed handlers on safe and prudent use of pesticides. The overall goal of this program is to maximize the benefits while minimizing any risks associated with crop protection products.

Meanwhile, Ms. Paulyne Kim Alfuente discussed the dos and don’ts during field promotional activities, pesticide poisoning cases, and first aid management. 

A pre-test and post-test were also initiated to assess the participant’s level of understanding. “Upon checking the results, we are proud that the participants were able to dissect the information discussed in the training. We are hoping this will be an avenue to help our farmers achieve an abundant harvest by strengthening the promotion of the proper and safe application of pesticides,” RO Paalisbo said.

The training was attended by 45 personnel from different agro-chemical companies operating in the region. ###

ILOILO CITY | July 26, 2022 – Regional Officer (RO) Noel Negre presented the practices in conducting fertilizer price monitoring system to 30 participants during the Regional Bantay Presyo Monitoring Meeting held last July 22, 2022 at MO2 Westown, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The fertilizer watch system inputs pertinent data such as the fertilizer stock inventory and country of origin with product registration in a web application. This will serve as a guide to efficiently monitor the fertilizer prices. “The fertilizer watch system helps the Agency and the Department of Agriculture to know the latest trends in the fertilizer prices in the region. In addition, it helps us understand the prices at each level affecting its cost from importers down to dealer’s level,” Mr. Negre said.

He also mentioned that FPA encourages cooperatives to engage in imports to increase market competition and they can function as distributors or dealers of fertilizers and pesticides.

Moreover, Provincial Officer (PO) Ryan Gelladula was designated as a permanent member of the Regional Bantay Presyo Monitoring Team (RBPMT) with PO Emanuel Barrida as his alternate per FPA Special Order No. 181 s. 2022.

Per D.A. A.O. No.7 series of 2020 of IRR of R.A. 7581 in relation to basic necessities and prime agricultural commodities, RBPMT shall conduct regular price and supply monitoring of agricultural commodities at all levels of the supply chain from farm gate to various public and private markets, stores, supermarkets, and other establishments where agricultural commodities are sold. The RBPMT in Western Visayas shall determine the price trends, provide a basis for establishing suggested retail prices and/or price ceiling, develop a data system on prices, identify and investigate causes of market and price irregularities and identify violations and violators of the Price Act.

The meeting was spearheaded by D.A. AMAS and RBPMT members, which include BAI, BPI, BFAR, NMIS, SRA, FPA, NFA, DA Banner Programs, and RAFC. ###

LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY | July 25, 2022 – Forty-seven (47) fertilizer and pesticide dealers were inspected during the Clean-Up Drive (CUD) Operations on July 18-21, 2022 in the province of Albay.

Out of the 47 dealers, FPA Bicol Region found nineteen (19) unlicensed dealers. The unlicensed dealers were issued with Notice of Violations (NoVs) and required them to attend the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training on August 17-18, 2022 in Albay.

It is worth noting that most of the unlicensed dealers were located in far-flung vegetable areas surrounding Mt. Mayon. “Our team will strengthen the information campaign on the policies and guidelines of FPA, particularly on the requirements. We will do our best to extend our services in the far-flung areas to assist them in becoming fertilizer and pesticide dealers,” Mr. Atole said.

On the other hand, compliant dealers were commended and encouraged to be partners of FPA in ensuring the safety of the fertilizer and pesticide users.

During the said enforcement activities, the team also made a courtesy call to the Albay Provincial Agriculture Office (APAO) and discussed the different FPA-Bicol activities. In addition, they also distributed Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) handbook and FPA Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials.

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-Masbate Provincial Officer Mr. Rodny P. Conda and FPA-Sorsogon Provincial Officer Engr. Ardon Ryan E. Nee-Estuye. ###

Davao Oriental | July 25, 2022 – 37 participants from the different municipalities of Davao Oriental attended the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training on July 21, 2022, at Rexy Gel’s Place, Dahican, Mati City, Davao Oriental. 

The activity was spearheaded by Regional Officer (R.O.) Marrisa G. Napalit. She also gave an overview of the training and stressed the importance of obtaining an ASD license. 

Provincial Officer (P.O.) Ms. Junette A. Cano highlighted the Agency’s mandate, regulatory policies, processes, and penalties for violations. “When violations are discovered, appropriate actions ranging from issuance of a warning letter to administrative action, such as the compulsion to attend a seminar to the imposition of fines or cancellation of product registration and/or licenses will be taken,” Ms. Cano said. 

P.O. Rustom Gain Tanduyan shared with the participants the proper handling, packaging, and storage of fertilizers.

Proper storage of fertilizer is important to:

• avoid losses
• keep fertilizer in good shape
• maintain the physical and chemical quality that is acceptable to farmers/end-users

Moreover, the following tips can be followed for the proper handling of fertilizers:

• When disembarking from the boat/ferry, do not allow the use of hooks to lift the fertilizer bags. Instead, use nets, pallets, or manual off-loading.
• Bags should be carried with fragility. Using a cart, trolley or wheelbarrow is a safer way of handling bagged fertilizer.
• Do not drop the bag. It might result in product loss and additional repacking costs.
• Do not drag the bag. It might damage or produce holes in the bag. Do not drag the bag by its ears. It might over-stretch the fibers and break (Accredited Safety Dispenser Manual)

On the other hand, P.O. Louie Palarao discussed soil fertilizer and plant growth, while P.O. Cheery Agrade talked about pesticide poisoning and its management. 

Lastly, Syngenta Product Stewardship Manager Ms. Catherine Sumagaysay explained the safe handling of pesticides.

FPA Davao Region also gave out informational materials such as Gabay sa tamang paggamit ng abono at pestisidyo to the participants for additional references. ###

Source: Accredited Safety Dispenser training manual

DAVAO ORIENTAL | July 25, 2022 – Twenty-one (21) fertilizer and pesticide handlers were randomly inspected during the Clean-Up Drive (CUD) Operation on July 19-20, 2022, in the Municipality of Davao Oriental. 

Out of 21, one handler was found compliant, while the rest of the handlers were issued with a Notice of Violation (NOV) described as “No FPA License to Operate (LTO) as Dealer and Dealer-Repacker.”

The unlicensed dealers were oriented on the rules and regulations governing the handling and selling of these agricultural inputs. Moreover, they were advised to attend the Agricultural Safety Dispenser (ASD) training on July 21, 2022, in Mati City, Davao Oriental. 

The inspection was headed by Ms. Marrisa G. Napalit and was conducted in the following areas of Davao Oriental:

• Brgy. Calapagan and Brgy. Don Mariano Marcos in the Municipality of Lupon
• Brgy. Taguibo, and Brgy. Don Martin Marundan in the City of Mati
• Brgy. Poblacion in the Municipality of Tarragona
• Brgy. San Ignacio and Poblacion in the Municipality of Manay

Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela Province | July 25, 2022 – FPA Cagayan Valley conducted Clean–Up Drive (CUD) operations in the provinces of Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya last July 19-22, 2022.

Out of 55 dealers, 40 were found compliant while 15 were issued with Notice of Violations (NoVs). 13 were from Nueva Vizcaya while 2 were from Isabela Province. The violators were advised to obtain a permit and accreditation from the Agency and attend the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training.

The ASD training is expected to be conducted on July 26-27, 2022 in Nueva Vizcaya and July 28-29, 2022 in Isabela.

Moreover, the team collected 14-14-14 fertilizer samples from Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya for quality checking. The samples were sent to the FPA Analytical Services Laboratory in Quezon City for NPK and moisture content analysis. The results are expected to be released within 20 working days from receipt of the sample.

CUD is a regular enforcement activity in the field to determine whether fertilizer and pesticide handlers and the products they sell to the public comply with existing FPA rules and regulations.

The team also informs the dealers to be vigilant and reiterated that buying of fake and unregistered fertilizers and pesticides are strictly prohibited. ###