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LA PAZ, LEYTE | July 22, 2022 – RFU VIII conducted an Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training to 25 farmers last July 14-15, 2022, at La Paz Municipal Agriculture Office. 

Mr. Francis Salvador B. Costas, Regional Officer (RO) of Region VIII, explained the FPA’s mandate. “FPA envisions an improved quality of life through increased farm incomes, productivity, and food production using safe and appropriate fertilizer and pesticide inputs. To achieve this, our Agency implements policies, rules, and programs to ensure that the fertilizers and pesticides sold in the market are safe and at reasonable prices,” Mr. Costas stressed.  

Further, the team discussed to the farmers the safe storage and disposal of fertilizers and pesticides, the recognition of pesticide poisoning and administration of first aid to victims, and the duties of an Accredited Safety Dispenser.

The team stressed the following responsibilities of an ASD to wit:

• advise the buyers/farmers on the safe use, handling, and storage of fertilizer and pesticide products
• keep records of the sale and disposition of agricultural products
• ensure that only FPA-registered products are dispensed
• monitor the business transactions regarding fertilizer and pesticide products

The activity is conducted in collaboration with the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist to encourage farmers to form a cooperative and become fertilizer and pesticide dealers. Additionally, being a member of a cooperative qualifies farmers for the fertilizer voucher program administered by the Department of Agriculture. ###

LEYTE | July 22, 2022 – Provincial Officer (PO) Eric Castañas explained the reasons behind the fertilizer price increase and the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) during the Local Farmers Technicians (LFT) on Integrated Nutrient Management with the emphasis on Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) in rice farming organized by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) last July 19, 2022, at Villaconzoilo Farm, Jaro, Leyte. 

PO Castañas discussed that 90% of inorganic fertilizers are imported from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar, Canada, Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Belarus. Only 10% were taken from the country’s local manufacturers.  

Moreover, he presented the reasons for the skyrocketing prices of fertilizer. In his presentation, he highlighted that the global fertilizer crisis is due to the rising costs of fuel, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Department of Agriculture implemented the BFS program as an alternative solution to address the issue. PO Castañas explained that BFS 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. 

He also emphasized the 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.

A total of 31 LFTs from the province of Leyte attended the training. ###

BOHOL | July 20, 2022 – FPA Regional Officer (RO) Arnulfo Arausa Jr. and Provincial Officer (PO) Andy Cornell Bornillo conducted random fertilizer sampling at the Department of Agriculture – Agriculture Program Coordinating Office (DA-APCO) last July 15, 2022.

The samples were sent last July 18, 2022 to the FPA Analytical Services Laboratory in Quezon City for NPK and moisture content analyses.

In order to identify whether the fertilizer samples submitted pass the standards, the permissible minimum tolerance of each of the guaranteed nutrient should not be less than 98% and the moisture content should not exceed 2% (Fertilizer Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines).

The fertilizers collected were under the 2022 Community Hybrid Farming Project and the 2022 Corn Project of the Department of Agriculture.

The results are expected to be released within 20 working days from receipt of the sample. ###

Reference: Fertilizer Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines (Bluebook), page 13

DAVAO CITY | July 15, 2022 – FPA Region XI headed by Regional Officer Ms. Marrisa G. Napalit together with Croplife Regional Action Network (CRAN) X President Mr. Lizter Anasco conducted a blended meeting to discuss the updates on the retrieval project of Empty Pesticide Containers (EPC).

During the meeting, Ms. Napalit mentioned that retrieving EPC is not easy since EPC regulation applies to FPA and other regulatory government agencies, such as the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

EPC is considered hazardous waste to the DENR-EMB under R.A. 6969. Hazardous wastes are hereby defined as substances without any safe commercial, industrial, agricultural or economic usage and are shipped, transported, or brought from the country of origin for dumping or disposal into or in transit through any part of the territory of the Philippines.

Hazardous wastes shall also refer to by-products, side-products, process residues, spent reaction media, contaminated plant or equipment, or other substances from manufacturing operations, and as consumer discards of manufactured products. (R.A. 6969, Sec. 5. h)

To harmonize the said project, Ms. Napalit suggested to create a system composed of Croplife Philippines, FPA, and Local Government Units (LGUs), particularly the City/Municipal Agriculture’s Office and City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

Ms. Napalit included the LGU in this proposal as these LGUs were familiar with the agricultural practices in their localities. This will greatly help maximize the implementation of the EPC retrieval project (pilot project), particularly on the farmer’s level. In addition, FPA and Croplife will also tap with DENR-EMB for other matters, including the legalities of the project.

Once the project becomes successful, this will serve as a game-changer not just in the product stewardship of pesticides but also for the farmer’s awareness, education, and safety.

The meeting was held at Cafe Firenzo, Damosa, Lanang Davao City on July 15, 2022. The meeting was attended by Croplife Philippines members, which include Aldiz, Inc., BASF Phils., Inc., Bayer Philippines, Inc., Inc., C.B. Andrew Asia, Inc., Corteva Agriscience, FMC Philippines Inc., Jardine Distribution, Inc., Monsanto Phils., Inc., Sinochem Crop Protection Phils., Syngenta (Phils.) Inc. and UPL Philippines, Inc. ###

Sources: R.A. 6969 or An Act to Control Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes, Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof, and for Other Purposes, Sec. 5 (h)

Pesticide Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines, pg. 173

GENERAL SANTOS CITY | JULY 18, 2022 – To educate the farmers on the use of agricultural pesticide inputs, South Cotabato FPA-Provincial Officer (PO) Jennie M. Basilio conducted a lecture on Proper Safe Use, Handling, and Storage of Agricultural Pesticides to sixteen (16) corn farmers from General Santos City and Sarangani Province on July 13, 2022. 

PO Basilio emphasized in her lecture the health risk associated with pesticide residues in food. “Pesticides are toxic,” she stressed. 

To minimize these health risks, she tackled the Pesticide Management Guidelines for the Safe and Effective Use of Pesticides which include:

• using of FPA registered products from FPA registered outlets/establishments
• importance of reading, understanding, and following the directions found on the product label
• wearing of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs)
• triple rinsing of empty pesticide containers after use
• recording of farm activities, fertilizer, and pesticide usage and applications, and the product used

Moreover, to prevent residues in vegetables and fruits, Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) and the right dosage, which contained in the pesticide label, must be observed. PHI is the minimum time between the last pesticide application and when the crop can be harvested. 

The activity was conducted in coordination with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XII-Regulatory Division during the Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) for corn training at Venue 88, Mabuhay, General Santos City. ###

GENERAL SANTOS CITY | JULY 18, 2022 – SARGEN-FPA Provincial Officer (PO) Joey B. Pascua conducted a lecture on the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority’s (FPA) mandates to sixteen (16) corn farmers from General Santos City and Sarangani Province. He highlighted that the FPA assures the public of a safe and adequate supply of fertilizer, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs by providing quality services in issuing licenses, registrations, and permits.

Additionally, PO Pascua discussed soil, fertilizer, and plant growth. He emphasized that combining inorganic and organic fertilizer results in better crop growth.

“Combining inorganic and organic fertilizer promotes higher crop development and a more stable yield than any single type. In addition, humus releases nutrients slowly, acting as stored food for the crop throughout the growing season,” Mr. Pascua reiterated.

Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) was also promoted to lessen the excessive use of inorganic fertilizers and other inputs in agricultural production that may lead to soil deterioration, affect soil health, decrease sustainability, and in the long run, may create negative impacts on crop yield.

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, soil, and agro-climatic condition that leads to soil health building (Balance Fertilization Strategy (BFS) Program).

In addition, he urged the farmers to submit soil samples to the DA-Soils Laboratory in the region to establish the condition of their farms and receive fertilizer recommendations. Moreover, he suggested that farmers utilize farm wastes such as decomposed straws, husks, leaves, grasses, animal manure, green manuring, and other techniques to improve soil health and productivity and prevent the decline in soil fertility and reduce fertilizer costs and availability.

The activity was conducted at Venue 88 Resort and Events Place, General Santos City, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XII- Regulatory Division during the training on Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) for Corn on July 13, 2022. ###

SOCCSKSARGEN | JULY 19, 2022 – FPA Provincial Officers (PO) Cherubin M. Alonzo of Sultan Kudarat province, Joey B. Pascua of SARGEN, and Jennie M. Basilio of South Cotabato, collected fertilizer samples in their respective provinces on July 15 and 18, 2022, as part of the quality control inspection of safe and high-quality fertilizers.

The three POs randomly collected twenty-one (21) fertilizer samples and submitted them to the Department of Agriculture-Regional Soils Laboratory XII, Amas, Kidapawan City, for laboratory analysis.

The samples shall be analyzed for nutrient content, moisture, particle size, and, if applicable, biuret and ash. If the analysis determines that the nutrient content is below standard specifications, FPA will classify the fertilizer as “off-specification” or “bad order.”

FPA imposes administrative sanctions against all individuals or entities that violate the FPA’s regulations on quality control standards. These sanctions include but are not limited to cancellation of registration, revocation of a license, and imposition of any other sanctions authorized by P.D. 1144 and its implementing rules and regulations.

The results of the submitted fertilizer samples are expected to be released after ten working days. ###

ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY | July 18, 2022 – FPA Zamboanga Peninsula discussed the Agency’s mandate, Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS), and the safe and judicious use of pesticides to 25 farmers from Abaca Field School at R.T. Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay last July 14, 2022.

Mr. Dionn Mark Bohol, FPA Provincial Officer (PO) of Zamboanga del Norte introduced the Agency’s role in the Philippine agriculture. He also discussed the role of FPA on Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) Program.

He explained that BFS applies 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.

Moreover, he emphasized that soil analysis must precede any fertilization program, as each site has a crop-specific fertilizer recommendation. Additionally, he proposed and promoted the use of various sources of plant nutrients and combined fertilization, such as organic compost and foliar fertilizers to reduce dependency on synthetic fertilizers.

On the other hand, Mr. Charlie D. Limbag, PO of Zamboanga Sibugay, taught the farmers how to properly use the pesticides to prevent contamination and poisoning. He emphasized the significance of understanding the pesticide labels, such as registered crops, target pests, dosage rate, and Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI). He also encouraged the farmers to always wear PPE while applying pesticides. “Safety should be our number one concern when applying pesticides,” Mr. Limbag stressed.

Lastly, Ms. Paulyne Kim Alfuente PO of Zamboanga City educated the farmers on recognizing pesticide poisoning and administering first aid to the victims. She emphasized in her discussion that carbamates and organophosphate were the most common causes of poisoning and they should always take precautionary measures in using such pesticides.

“In administering first aid, we should institute it immediately, avoid self-contamination, and act calmly. We should also bring the victim to the hospital and take an image of the product that caused the poisoning for basis in proper treatment,” Ms. Alfuente said.

The activity was organized by the Phil. Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA). ###

BENGUET | July 13, 2022 – FPA CAR conducted training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to fifty-three (53) farmers from Baguio City and Benguet last July 06 at El Cielito Hotel, Baguio City and on July 12, 2022 at Villa Silvina Hotel, Baguio City.

GAP is a training that highlights the best practices to be followed in the crop production and post-harvest handling to ensure safe and quality of produce that minimized the negative impact to the environment and to the workers’ health.

Regional Officer (RO) Rogelio Tanguid and Provincial Officer (PO) Rowena F. Billig discussed the FPA-Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) program as part of the safe and effective use of fertilizer. The strategy was an alternative solution to the high cost of inorganic fertilizers.

BFS uses the 4Rs in Fertilization – Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate that sets to enhance soil health and productivity, prevent the decline in soil fertility and improve fertilizer availability and costs. It is considered a GAP during crop production, which ensures safe and quality produce.

The activity was funded and organized by High Valued Crops Development Program (HVCDP), DA-CAR together with the Provincial Agriculture Office of Benguet Province, City Veterinary and Agriculture Office of Baguio City.

FPA-CAR is committed to continually support the training on GAP. This is part of strengthening the campaign of the Agency to educate the farmers on the safe and effective use of agricultural inputs. ###

BOHOL | July 7, 2022 – Regional Officer (RO) Arnulfo Arausa, Jr., assisted by Provincial Officers Andy Cornell Bornillo and Jesus Muring, conducted a training on the proper use of fertilizer and pesticide for 109 lowland vegetable farmers from Brgy. San Isidro, Mabini, Bohol and Brgy. Taytay, Getafe, Bohol on July 6 and 7, 2022.

During the training, FPA Officers highlighted the importance of fertilizers and pesticides and the proper use of these inputs, which can increase crop yield and improve crop quality.

On the other hand, RO Arausa, Jr. encouraged the farmers to practice the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS). BFS applies 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.

FPA Central Visayas (RFU 7) distributed 109 information kits, including the Gabay sa Tamang Paggamit ng Abono at Pestisidyo, to guide the participants on the proper application these inputs.

Also present in the activity is Mr. JP Sanchez of DA SAAD and Mr. Michael Ligutan of Enasia Import Export Corporation.  ###