October 03, 2025 | Quezon City – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), in partnership with local industry associations, successfully carried out back-to-back “Baylo Basyo” stewardship programs in Iloilo and Cebu on September 18 and September 25, 2025 respectively. The initiative aimed to strengthen awareness on safe disposal of hazardous pesticide waste on farmers in both provinces.
The “Baylo Basyo” was a collaborative undertaking of the FPA and its regional offices, Department of Agriculture (DA) and its regional offices, the Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAO) and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Offices (MENRO) of each province, and the industry associations such as Crop Protection Association of the Philippines (CPAP), CropLife Philippines, the Cebu Agrochemical Technical Association (CATA), and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Industry Association (FPIA). Through the program, farmers were encouraged to return used pesticide containers for proper collection and disposal, while also participating in lectures and discussions on FPA mandates, safety standards, and responsible pesticide use.
The FPA reported that the Iloilo leg of the program, held in Pototan, collected 386 kilograms of surrendered pesticide containers, while the Cebu activity in Mantalongon gathered 171.5 kilograms. All collected materials will be turned over to accredited disposal facilities to ensure compliance with environmental and health safety protocols.
FPA Executive Director Glenn DC. Estrada emphasized that the stewardship program not only reduces farmers’ direct exposure to harmful chemicals but also safeguards surrounding communities and ecosystems.
“Sa pamamagitan ng pagsunod sa tamang pamamaraan ng paggamit at pagtatapon ng mga basyong ito hindi lamang natin napoprotektahan ang ating sarili at pamilya mula sa mapanganib na exposure, kundi nakatutulong din tayong mapanatiling malinis ang lupa, tubig, at hangin para sa mga susunod na henerasyon,” Dir. Estrada said.
Industry partners also underscored that initiatives like “Baylo Basyo” play a vital role in fostering shared accountability among pesticide handlers, operators, and manufacturers. CropLife, CATA, and FPIA—composed of local business owners, practitioners, and technical experts—reaffirmed their commitment to advancing environmental stewardship and supporting the regulatory framework of the FPA.
The “Baylo Basyo” program is a longstanding initiative of the FPA and its partner stakeholders, designed to promote responsible pesticide management, prevent environmental pollution, and strengthen public awareness on chemical safety. With continued collaboration between government and industry, the program aims to sustain safer farming practices and a healthier environment for future pesticide handlers and operators.
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Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team