Blog

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.  ###

QUEZON PROVINCE | July 11, 2022 – Thirty-two (32) participants completed the in-house Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training conducted on July 6-7, 2022 in Sariaya, Quezon. The training was requested by Sunrise Dragon Jade Agri Corporation (SDJAC).

During his opening remarks, SDJAC President Nilo Bornolla said, “ASD training is important for fertilizer and pesticide dealers to maintain and provide the highest quality of goods and services to our clients. It also helps in ensuring that our handlers are safe when dealing with agricultural chemicals.”

FPA RFU 4 discussed the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) fertilizer and pesticide industry regulator. The FPA was created under the virtue of the Presidential Decree 1144 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on 1977. However, with the FPA Memorandum Circular No. 1 series of 1986, the fertilizer industry was liberalized, allowing private companies to take control over their fertilizer procurement (Operations Manual, 2022).

They also explained what soil is and its composition. They discussed the nutrients needed by plants and how to supply them through soil fertilization.

They also provided general information on pesticides. They explained what pesticide is, the purpose of registering these products to FPA, and types of registration, among others. They also shared how to effectively carry out a pest control program through:

• Identifying the pest problem to be able to know the proper solution
• Getting information on pesticides to the know dose rates, dilutions, timing and frequency of application, method of application, precautions to be taken, and cost per unit area
• Buying the correct product and purchasing only the amount enough for the particular job
• Reading the label before buying, transporting, mixing or application of the product; after using and before storing/disposal; and in cases where there is poisoning, spillage, or contamination

Afterward, they discussed the safe handling, transport, and storage of pesticide products. The FPA team described the different ways of getting exposed to the harmful chemicals of pesticides and what protective measures should be applied for each. They emphasized wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling pesticide products, including goggles, respirator, long-sleeved shirt, rubber gloves, wide-brimmed hat, overalls, and rubber boots. 

The team explained first aid applications for pesticide poisoning. If over-exposure to pesticides is suspected, the team advised to give first aid immediately. Then, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Make sure to provide the doctor medical history and the label indicated on the pesticide product (ASD Training Manual, 2020).

For her exit remarks, Regional Officer (RO) Suzettie Alcaide emphasized that dealers should only obtain their fertilizer and pesticide products from licensed distributors to ensure the quality of the products to be sold.

Likewise, she reminded the distributors to distribute to licensed dealers only. She said, “Dealers and distributor, including their personnel, should be partners of FPA in ensuring the safety of farmers and the consuming public as far as fertilizer and pesticide products are concerned.”

FPA Regional Field Unit facilitated the activity (RFU) 4 headed by the RO Alcaide, along with Provincial Officers Edmar Bundalian, Mark Nicky Larga, Allan Jade Rojo, Georlene Orbista, Froilan Bañaga, and Dexter Leynes. ###