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WESTERN VISAYAS | April 04, 2024 – To mitigate the proliferation of underweight fertilizer bags in the market, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Western Visayas, together with Dr. Myer G. Mula, the Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, and Edward Allen Calapatia, Senior Agriculturist inspected ten (10) fertilizer handlers across Iloilo City, Guimaras, and Iloilo Province on April 1-3, 2024.

The team inspected three (3) importers, three (3) dealers, and four (4) area distributors, namely:

1. La Filipina Uy Gongco Corp.
2. Atlas Fertilizer Corp.
3. Swire Agrotech Agricultural Products
4. Cantua Agricultural Supply
5. Joy Reyes Rice Retailer
6. Hog Cockers Trading
7. Bacphil Planters Fertilizer Corp.
8. Model Agro Sales
9. BT Grains and Agro Agro Corporation
10. P & A Farm Supply Warehouse

Out of 1,759 fertilizer bags from different brands and grades, including the four major grades (46-0-0, 14-14-14, 21-0-0, 16-20-0), 673 were found to weigh less than the standard 50 kg net weight per bag.

Dr. Mula stressed the critical need for diligent checking during the bagging process and ensuring accurate calibration using electronic weighing machines. He proposed practical solutions such as double-folding sack edges to prevent tearing, closer supervision of bagging processes, and implementing proper ventilation using pallets to safeguard workers’ health.

FPA strongly advised the public, particularly farmers, to weigh fertilizer bags prior to purchase, thoroughly inspect them for any physical defects, and promptly seek replacements if necessary.

This proactive stance by the FPA underscores its commitment to upholding industry standards, ensuring fair trade practices, and safeguarding the interests of farmers in Western Visayas. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION | March 15, 2024 – Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer G. Mula, Senior Agriculturist, Mr. Edward Calapatia, and FPA CAR conducted intensified monitoring of fertilizer weights and information campaign in Benguet, Abra, and Mt. Province on March 11-15, 2024.

Thirteen (13) establishments were inspected, and 23 brands of fertilizers were randomly weighed. Some of the fertilizers were identified to be underweight after failing to meet the specified net weight on the label.

To address the issue, the underweight bags will undergo re-bagging under the supervision of FPA field personnel. Dr. Mula advised the implementation of random weighing upon delivery of each order and the rejection of any underweight bags. Additionally, he recommends the utilization of electronic weighing scales for more accurate weight measurements.

Meanwhile, the monitoring team also conducted activities such as Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training during the weeklong activity.

Along the way, Dr. Mula emphasized the role of handlers in ensuring the right amount of fertilizer per bag to ensure that distributors, dealers, and farmers get the accurate quantity of fertilizer they are paying for; and for them to avoid income losses after buying from importers.

Moreover, he underscored the impacts of underweight fertilizers on the nutrient requirements of plants that affect crop yield leading to low productivity, as fertilizer recommendations in kg per hectare are converted to per-bag basis by farmers as taught by technicians.

“We should make sure to weigh the fertilizers before giving them to the farmers, as this is crucial for their crops’ health and productivity,” Dr. Mula stressed.

The training activities were sponsored by the Crop Protection Association of the Philippines (CPAP) through Leads Agri and Agway Chemical Companies. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

BENGUET | March 14, 2024 – To educate farmers and cooperative members on the safe handling and effective use of agricultural inputs, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) served as a resource speaker in the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training conducted in partnership with Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) – Benguet, at Kilo, Acop, Caponga, Tublay, Benguet on March 12-13, 2024.

Regional Officer (RO) Rogelio B. Tanguid and Provincial Officer (PO) Rowena F. Billig discussed the rules and regulations on licensing, product registration, and safe handling practices of fertilizers and pesticides. Topics covered included reading labels, insecticide resistance management, proper storage, handling, and pesticide poisoning prevention.

During the occasion, FPA Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer Mula, emphasized the importance of enforcing FPA mandates to ensure the quality of fertilizers, particularly focusing on the correct weight of fertilizer bags. Mr. Edward Calapatia, Senior Agriculturist from the Field Operations Coordinating Unit (FOCU), also highlighted the significance of monitoring fertilizer distribution to maintain quality standards.

DAR-Benguet identified and organized the Binnadang Agrarian Reform Cooperative (BARC) as their conduit for the agrarian reform beneficiaries in the locality. The BARC identified the marketing of agricultural inputs as one of their projects under the Sustainable Livelihood Assistance under one of the DAR’s special projects.

A total of sixteen (16) participants composed of farmers, officers, and members of said cooperative attended the training. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

DAVAO CITY AND TAGUM CITY | March 25, 2024 – In an effort to combat the prevalence of underweight fertilizer bags in the market, the FPA Davao conducted a thorough inspection of importers and fertilizer distributors’ warehouses in Davao City and Tagum City, Davao del Norte, from March 18 to 20, 2024.

The team inspected seven (7) fertilizer handlers namely:

1. Sagrex Corporation
2. La Filipina Uy Gongco Corporation
3. Yara Fertilizers Philippines, Inc.
4. Universal Harvester, Inc.
5. Atlas Fertilizers Corporation
6. Swire Agrotech Agricultural Products, Inc.
7. Bacphil Planters Fertilizer Corporation

Out of 1,924 bags of fertilizers from 11 different brands and grades, including the six major grades, 773 bags weighed less than the standard 50-kg net weight.

During a consultative meeting with GlobalPort Davao Terminal Inc., Dr. Mula addressed concerns over underweight fertilizers. Recent random weigh-ins revealed that bags handled by GlobalPort Davao Terminal Inc. were underweight. The company assured the public of corrective measures and emphasized using automated bagging machines to prevent underweight fertilizer bags. Dr. Mula also highlighted issues regarding bag stitching affecting packaging quality and net weight.

“Adhering to fertilizer specifications, including declared nutrient standards and net weight is important to protect farmers’ interests. We should always conduct random weigh-ins upon delivery, report underweight bags to suppliers, and use well-calibrated electronic weighing scales for accuracy,” Dr. Mula stressed during the GlobalPort Davao Terminal Inc. meeting.

FPA Davao also reiterated that non-compliance to these standards could have severe ramifications, significantly impacting distributor revenue and farmers’ trust. Off-spec fertilizers can cause substantial harm to crop productivity and yield, leading to a significant reduction in farmer income.

Stakeholder feedback from the meetings will be considered for the revisions of the Fertilizer Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines (Bluebook). “To ensure fertilizer market integrity, your input is invaluable. Let us work together to enforce regulations effectively,” Dr. Mula said.

Dr. Myer G. Mula, Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, and FPA Davao, under the direction of Regional Officer Marrisa G. Napalit together with Provincial Officers Louie T. Palarao, Cheery Agrade, Imelda Q. Rasay, Rustom Gain Tanduyan, Junette A. Cano, and Evan C. Bojos led the inspections. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

TAGUM CITY | March 22, 2024 – FPA Davao together with Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer G. Mula, conducted a consultation meeting with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Dealers Association of Davao del Norte (FAPDADI), Fertilizer and Pesticide Dealers Association of Compostela (FAPDACI), and Davao Oriental Fertilizer and Pesticide Dealers Association Inc. (DOFPDA) at the Heroben Hometel, Tagum City on March 20, 2024.

The meeting served as a platform for the officers to present and address pressing concerns affecting the industry. These included the problem of underweight fertilizers at different levels of the supply chain, the need for stricter regulations on fertilizer bagging, and considerations regarding the incorporation of PD 1144 into Republic Act (RA). Furthermore, issues surrounding the ‘Pakyawan basis’ at port bagging sites, accountability of dealers for underweight fertilizer bags, and proper labeling of fertilizer bags were also discussed.

In response to these challenges, industry stakeholders are committed to reinforce internal guidelines and policies to mitigate peddling issues within their organizations. Additionally, FPA emphasized the importance of dealers promptly reporting any instances of underweight fertilizer bags to enable swift corrective action.

Dr. Mula reiterated the FPA’s unwavering commitment to supporting farmers and underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial solutions. He acknowledged that while the FPA plays a pivotal role in regulation and oversight, the cooperation of all parties involved is paramount in effectively addressing industry concerns.

A total of twenty-nine (29) officers representing the three associations actively participated in the meeting, signaling a collective dedication to finding sustainable resolutions to industry challenges. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team