September 2025 | Cagayan Valley – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Regional Field Unit 2 – Cagayan Valley successfully conducted two information caravans on the safe and responsible use of fertilizers and pesticides through drone application.
The first caravan was held on September 17, 2025 in Minante I, Cauayan City, Isabela with 355 participating farmers and stakeholders, while the second caravan took place on September 23, 2025 in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, with 350 participants.
Organized by FPA Cagayan Valley with support from local government units (LGUs), the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Offices, and the National Rice Program (NRP), the caravans featured live drone demonstrations, technical lectures, and consultations showcasing the practical benefits of agricultural drones in rice farming.
Cagayan Valley, widely recognized as the “Rice Bowl of the North,” remains one of the country’s top producers of rice and corn. Its fertile soil, favorable climate, and abundant river systems sustain the region’s vast farmlands, making it an ideal area for the adoption of precision agriculture.
The use of agricultural drones is expected to further enhance efficiency in crop care, optimize input utilization, and strengthen the region’s role as a major food basket of the Philippines.
“Ngayong caravan na ito, nagpapasalamat ako sa Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority at sa tulong ng iba’t ibang ahensya para ipalaganap itong drone natin,” said Dr. Marvin Luis of the DA Regional Office.
He underscored the importance of research collaborations with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and other partners in comparing the outcomes of traditional farming methods with drone-assisted approaches.
Meanwhile, Engr. Edgar Allan Marquez of Isabela State University’s College of Engineering emphasized the significance of exposing students to advanced technologies.
“Magandang pagkakataon itong information caravan para sa ating mga estudyante na naririto ngayon, mga future scientists, innovators, at agricultural engineers, na makita at maranasan ang makabagong teknolohiya na magsisilbing inspirasyon upang maki-bahagi sa pag-unlad ng agrikulturang Pilipino,” he said.
Agricultural drones are increasingly being recognized as game-changing tools in modern farming. They allow for faster, safer, and more cost-efficient application of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, while minimizing environmental impact and reducing health risks for farmers.
The Drones4Rice Information Caravan, first introduced in 2024 by the DA–NRP in SOCCSKSARGEN and Central Luzon, continues to expand nationwide, with additional information caravans scheduled in the coming months. ###
Writer: Maricris Ferrer
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Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team