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BUKIDNON | April 26, 2022 – FPA Northern Mindanao, led by Supervising Agriculturist Ma. Sonia C. Calleja, along with the FPA legal team, conducted a warehouse audit of Del Monte Philippines, Incorporated (DMPI) in Camp Philips, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on April 22, 2022.

Ms. Charmaine Pailagao, DMPI Pollution Control Officer, presented the DMPI’s historical background and the measures to protect the environment and soil health from the harmful effects of pesticides and fertilizers.

FPA Northern Mindanao and the legal team found out that the repacking area is vulnerable to air disturbances specially to formulated pesticides. They recommended to enclose the area to avoid air disturbances and possible pesticide contamination.

Afterward, the FPA team observed a foliar spraying operation and fruit harvesting.

The FPA legal team of Atty. Jane Aquino-Pabalete, Errol John A. Ramos and Board Secretary Ms. Shanelle Napoles visited the region to likewise brief FPA Northern Mindanao personnel on the agency’s new laws and issuances on the effective delivery of FPA services. These laws and issuances will provide field officers with the necessary ethical and equitable enforcement procedures.

TUGUEGARAO CITY | April 22, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Cagayan Valley (RFU 2) discussed the current fertilizer situation with the members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Camalaniugan, Cagayan on April 21, 2022 during an intervention initiated by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office II.

Farmers voiced their concerns about the fertilizer price increase in their community. The Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Food and Agriculture, in turn, referred the issue to the DA office for a formal discussion.

According to Provincial Officer Arwin Cardenas, the region’s fertilizer price increase was caused by the following factors:

• increased fertilizer demand by other countries such as Australia, India, the United States, and China;
• gas shortages in Europe caused an increase in energy prices, causing them to reduce production operations; 
• sanctions imposed by Western countries on Russia as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war; and
• an increase in transportation and logistics costs

He assured the residents that the DA and the FPA are taking steps to alleviate these concerns by providing farm inputs such as fertilizers and seeds and promoting balanced fertilization strategies so that farmers do not rely solely on inorganic fertilizers.

Jaime C. Romero, Chairman of the Sangguniang Bayan of Camalaniugan’s Committee on Food and Agriculture, thanked the DA and FPA for enlightenment and continuing support to their constituents.

SANCHEZ MIRA, CAGAYAN | April 22, 2022 – Provincial Officers Arwin Cardenas and Henry Cabayan Jr. of the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Cagayan Valley (RFU 2) were invited as resource speakers for the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training conducted by the Department of Agriculture Region II last April 19-20, 2022.

The training was conducted in two batches. The first batch was attended by the Masisit Dacal Livelihood Cooperative Members, while the Zanjera Capanickian Irrigators Association participated in the second batch. Overall, 52 rice farmers benefited from the training.

The FPA provincial officers discussed steps in applying for GAP certification, proper GAP farming and responsible use of agricultural pesticides.

At the end of the activity, the participants expressed their gratitude to the DA RFO 2 and FPA RFU 2 for the knowledge imparted to them. They promised to implement and practice the good agricultural practices they had learned. The participants of the said training were expected to apply for the accreditation for GAP certification.

BAMBANG, NUEVA VIZCAYA | April 22, 2022 – FPA Cagayan Valley met with the local fertilizer manufacturers here at Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal on April 20, 2022 to strengthen communications and cooperation with them and address issues and concerns on their products.

Regional Officer Leonardo Bangad invited eight local manufacturers of fertilizers – GMG Fertilizer Manufacturing, Northern Prime Trading Corporation, VALAP Incorporated, GolVaDeCo, Greencrops Agricultural Products Trading, DAKAS Trading, AMRI Agriventure Corp and Meljay Agribusiness – to brief the stakeholders on laws and regulations on fertilizer productions, update on the fertilizer supplies and demand, new guidelines on quality monitoring, the importance of research and balance fertilization strategy. The meeting hopes to secure fertilizer supply from the said corporations.

Towards the end of the meeting, the manufacturers are committed to organize themselves to strengthen their linkages and cooperation in the supply of fertilizer requirements of the farmers.

CEBU CITY | April 22, 2022 – On April 20 and 21, 2022, the FPA Regional Office VII, in collaboration with Bayer Crop Science, Planters Product Inc., and Enasia Import Export Corporation, held Product Stewardship Programs in Brgy. Sudlon ll Cebu City, Brgy. Alambijud, Argao, and Brgy. Mantalungon, Dalaguete Cebu, with Deputy Executive Director for Pesticide Eric C. Divinagracia as Guest of Honor. 102 vegetable farmers from the above-mentioned barangays actively participated in the event.

The Product Stewardship Program is a requirement for all pesticide companies/registrants. They are primarily responsible for training handlers and the general public on the safe and prudent use of pesticides and disseminating information materials. The overall goal of this program is to maximize the benefits while minimizing any risks associated with crop protection products. ###

QUEZON CITY | April 13, 2022 – In view of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Special Order No. 286 series of 2022 creating the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) Management and Working Committees for its promotion and implementation, the committees jointly conducted its 1st meeting on April 12, 2022 at the RDEC Hall of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

As the chairperson for the BFS Management Committee, FPA Executive Director Wilfredo Roldan facilitated the meeting while FPA Deputy Executive Director Myer Mula, the chairperson for the Technical Working Committee, started the meeting with the discussion on the roles of each committee member in the synchronization and implementation of the BFS program (Table 1).

Table 1. Roles of the Agencies for the Implementation of BFS

The discussions evolved around but not limited to the following:

• Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) Dir. Vivencio Mamaril believed that all committee members should perform the roles stated in the S.O. He further emphasized that every member should be honest to the available data or system that the concerned agencies currently have and highlighted that the BFS committee should come up with a general recommendation for all crops (vegetative, reproductive, and harvest stage) and how to support or satisfy the recommendation. Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) can generate the recommended Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) requirement per crop while FPA can recommend registered fertilizer to be used. Further, he mentioned that the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) can contribute to the program of converting biomass into fertilizer.

• Exec. Dir. Roldan agreed with Dr. Mamaril that improving soil analysis per region is critical for the BFS program’s implementation. He also emphasized the importance of consulting a plant nutritionist before using registered fertilizer.

• Furthermore, Dr. Mula expressed the need to stop the blanket recommendation of fertilizer. “We need to improve soil profiling since we have different types of soil structure that are greatly affected by different agro-climatic conditions per region” Dr. Mula said.

• The committee also recommended that the BSWM must update the national soil and water fertility map and take into account the fact that continuous application of inorganic fertilizer degrades soil properties critical for crop growth. Mr. Gerald Cammagay from BAFS proposed that the soil health map include physical, biological, chemical, and microorganic data in order to make the best recommendation.

• Dir. Mamaril proposed a matrix of various crops grown in the Philippines. The matrix includes commodities (rice, corn, tobacco, sugarcane, vegetables such as eggplant, tomato, cabbage, and carrots), the BFS status, the package of technology available, soil map if available, and remarks for fertilizer-combination demonstration trials with or without specific general recommendations. He also proposed that the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) recommend or sponsor research on fertilizer combinations that use bio stimulants.

• Asst. Director Joell Lales of BAR informed the group that in 2013, the agency launched the “Yamang Lupa SCALE-UP Program,” or YL SCALE-UP, which includes the generation and distribution of soil health cards. A soil health card is a one-page information material that reflects general farmer information, soil macro and micronutrient analysis, and crop and soil management recommendations, among other things. The YL SCALE-UP Program will implement and expand on science-led soil revival strategies and management practices to increase farmer productivity and strengthen their coping mechanisms in the face of climate change. This strategy will be useful in the BFS Program as well.

• Apart from the program of BAR, Ms. Maribel Jalalon from the BSWM mentioned that the agency has already established soil mapping, national protocols for soil chemical analysis, soil health parameters, water resources, and monitoring sites and express her support with BAR’s soil health card programs.

• Engr. Jane Tapel, BAFE Deputy Director, suggested that the BAFE’s roles in the BFS can be expanded because they have many activities that can contribute to the BFS Program. She proposed that the BAFE roles in the BFS be expanded to include a digitalization program. She gave an example on how drones can easily calculate the amount of nutrients that needs to be applied.

With all of the comments discussed during the meeting, Exec. Dir. Roldan inquired about the agencies’ existing BFS programs that are currently being implemented. BSWM stated that they have already begun to contribute to the creation of the BFS Roadmap. Exec. Dir. Roldan stated that the roadmap to be developed will include the roles and programs of each member agency. He added that the BFS’s mission remains to promote the use of traditional and non-traditional fertilizers for the socio-economic improvement and benefit of the farmers.

To develop a better strategy for BFS implementation, both committees agreed to develop a matrix outlining their existing programs and how they might be used in BFS deployment. The matrix is due on April 20, and the next committee meeting is tentatively scheduled on May 5. ###

Sources:

DA Special Order No. 295 S. 2022, AMENDMENT TO SPECIAL ORDER NO. 286, SERIES OF 2022, “Creation of Management and Working Committees for the Promotion and Implementation of Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS)”.

DA Special Order No. 286 S. 2022, Creation of Management and Working Committees for the Promotion and Implementation of Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS).

Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority. (2022, April 12). 1st PMC Meeting on Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS)

KABAYAN, BENGUET | April 13, 2022 – As part of the month-long celebration of the 13th Eco-Agri Tourism and Bindiyan Festival, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) collaborated with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kabayan, Benguet to conduct an alternative Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training at Pine Cone Lodge Function Hall, Palenas, Poblacion, Kabayan on April 12, 2022. Inocencio Bernard, the GAP focal person of the Office of the Benguet Provincial Agriculturist, gave a lecture on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) during the training. A total of 44 Benguet farmers benefited from the training.

Regional Officer (RO) Rogelio Tanguid and Provincial Officer (PO) Rowena Billig represented the FPA CAR team. Municipal Agriculturist Geofrey B. Binaliw of the Office of the Municipal Agriculture led the LGU team (OMAg). In addition, the VALAP Incorporated contributed to the activity by providing fertilizer samples and prizes that were raffled off before the session ended.

Four (4) associations were convinced to push through with their businesses and expected to comply with the documentary requirements before the end of the month. At the same time, two (2) individuals who had been inspected last March were to complete applications before the month ends.

The LGU expressed its desire to invite FPA again for the festival next year since the municipality’s farming industry has been growing exponentially. The officials also showed their interest in attending since they realized that the topics were crucial for farmers complying with the food safety act.

QUEZON CITY | April 11, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) finalized its budget proposal amounting to Php 348.6M and presented to the Technical Review Workshop on FY 2023 Plan and Budget Proposal of the Department of Agriculture (DA) last April 4-7, 2022.

The proposal covers Personnel Services for Php 103.6M (30%); MOOE for PhP 62.2M (18%); Capital Outlay for Php 179.8M (51%); and Locally Funded Program of Php 3M (1%).

Aside from funding the regular activities, the proposed amount also includes budget for the following activities and projects:

• For Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE): 
  • Provision for the institutional contract of service personnel as per DBM-COA Joint Circular No. 2, s. 2020;
  • Calibration and preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment;
  • Travelling expenses and additional fuel allocation due to surge of fuel prices;
  • Implementation of ONE DA Reform Agenda: Fortified Organic Fertilizer Development Program in line with the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Measures; and
  • Provision for the increase in office rentals and other operating expenses of Regional Offices.

• For Capital Outlay:
  • Phase 2 laboratory building: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Sanitary/Plumbing works;
  • Replacement of unserviceable and old FPA vehicles used in monitoring activities;
  • Replacement of old Kheldhal laboratory equipment which analyzes fertilizer and pesticide products for registration;
  • Construction of two-storey building for Region 5; and
  • Improvement of the Convention Hall Audio Visual System.

The FPA is set to present its budget proposal with the DA Secretary and the NAF Council on April 20, 2022.

QUEZON CITY | April 7, 2022 – To promote and implement the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) program of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Management and Working Committees were created and approved on April 5, 2022 (DA Special Order no. 286 s 2022).

BFS is one of the program of DA to address the rising cost of fertilizers, improve soil health, and increase crop productivity and farmers’ income through site-specific nutrient management. This means 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 conditions (DA Memorandum Circular no. 20 s. 2020).

The Program Management Committee (PMC) is chaired by Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Executive Director Wilfredo Roldan, co-chaired by Bureau of Soils and Waste Management (BSWM) Director Pablo Montalla, and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Director Rosana Mula. Members of the committee are Bureau of Agricultural Research Director Junel Soriano, Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering Director Ariodear Rico, Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) Director Vivencio Mamaril, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Director George Culaste, Field Operations Service (FOS) Director Bernadette San Juan, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) Director Dionisio Alvindia, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Executive Director John De Leon, Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Deputy Administrator Ignacio Santillana, Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Deputy Administrator Ramon Rivera, National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Deputy Administrator Cesario Sembrana, and FPA Deputy Executive Director Myer Mula.

The PMC is expected to:

• Facilitate convergence and coordination among the involved agencies, partners and other concerned stakeholders in support to BFS technology;
• Mainstream BFS technology in all related program;
• Monitor and evaluate the progress and accomplishments, and recommend policies to be adopted to ensure successful implementation
• Submit reports to DA secretary regarding the updates, milestones, and appropriate technical and policy recommendation to support BFS

On the other hand, the Technical Working Committee (TWC) was created to:

• Prepare DA implementing guidelines of BFS technology for nationwide adoption,
• Assist the policy-making body in setting the standards and recommendations for implementation of BFS,
• Oversee the development of BFS policy options relative to fertilizer watch system,
• Consolidate, analyze, and interpret data gathered and develop a database on the performance of BFS,
• Provide recommendations on adjustment towards Adaptive BFS;
• Create a monitoring system to assure the quality and quantity of fertilizers as well as the database for posting on the BFS;
• Conduct quarterly assessment of BFS implementation i.e., crop production, fertilizer use and availability, and market;
• Enhance capacities of the agricultural sector on BFS through the conduct of training and information dissemination activities; and,
• Each agency/office shall create its own coordination and implementation team and perform its functions, as stated below, for the successful implementation of BFS.

The TWC is headed by Dr. Myer Mula of FPA and co-headed by Assistant Director Joell Lales of BAR. Members include ATI Director Rosana Mula, BAFE Engr. Janice Vargas, BAFS Joeve Calleja, BPI Samuel Fontanilla, BSWM Assistant Director Gina Nilo, PhilMech Assistant Director Ronaldo Sebastian Reyes, PhilRice Jovino De Dios, and FOS Vener Dilig.

Under the TWC, the role of FPA is to:

• Monitor the prices and sources of fertilizers;
• Provide the list of registered fertilizers, licensed handlers, product name, target crops, plant growth stage, and direction for use/application; and
• Provide database of available fertilizers per region.

FPA’s role in promoting BFS has been intensified as evident with the constant visitation and meet-ups with local farmers in different regions by Dr. Mula and the FPA Regional Units (RFUs). ###

Sources:

DA Special Order No. 295 S. 2022, AMENDMENT TO SPECIAL ORDER NO. 286, SERIES OF 2022, “Creation of Management and Working Committees for the Promotion and Implementation of Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFSJ”.

DA Special Order No. 286 S. 2022, Creation of Management and Working Committees for the Promotion and Implementation of Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS).

DA Memorandum Order No. 74 S. 2021, Sustaining Farm Productivity, Scaling Balanced Fertilization Using Fertilizer More Effectively, Applying Cost – Reducing Practices and Diversifying to Increase Income.

DA Memorandum Circular No. 20 S. 2020, Adoption of the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Management for Enhanced Crop Production and Increased Income for Rice Farmers.

ANTIQUE |April 5, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Western Visayas, in coordination with the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), convened with the Local Chief Executive and Farmers Association of Barangays Alingalan and Bangi of San Remegio, Antique on March 31, 2022.

The activity was headed by Dr. Myer Mula, SAAD National Director and FPA Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer. He was joined by Dominador Marquez, DA RFO VI Chief of Operations, and Noel Negre, FPA RFU VI Regional Officer, the SAAD and FPA Region VI Team.

One of the topics discussed during the meeting was the FPA’s resolve to be more proactive in promoting the balanced fertilization strategy (BFS) to help marginalized farmers to adopt a new technology that will satisfy the crop nutrient requirements and rebuild soil health through the use of both organic and inorganic nutrient sources.

Dr. Mula emphasized the importance of the BFS.  Provincial Officers Raymund Alfor and Rogelio Crespo also pitched in to impart their knowledge and practices with their self-developed technology concerning the BFS Program.

FPA Regional Officer Noel Negre presented to the group the FPA’s mandate and programs.  He also explained the reasons behind the abrupt increase in the price of agricultural inputs.  He added that the BFS program shall be integrated into the next training on the Safe Use and Handling of Fertilizers and Pesticides in Region VI.

The President of the Farmers Association and its members were pleased to learn about the government intervention program that augments their income.  They were also motivated to develop and replicate the BSF program and will happily share it with their neighboring counterparts. ###