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Benguet | September 30, 2022 – Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center – Cordillera Administrative Region (ATI-RTC-CAR) invited the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) to become resource speakers for a total of 72 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in their seminars for September.

The two-batch training for Vegetable Production and Pest and Disease Identification and Management was conducted on September 20-22, 2022, and September 27-29, 2022, at Sab-atan Hall, ATI-RTC-CAR. Forty-one (41) AEWs from the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mt. Province, who were assigned to the High Valued Crops Banner Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA), participated in the seminar.

On the other hand, 31 AEWs from the Provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mt. Provinces participated in the training on Rice Pest, and Disease Identification and Management conducted at Aspulan Hall, ATI-RTC-CAR last September 26-30, 2022. The participants were assigned to the Rice Banner Program of the DA.

FPA-CAR Regional Officer (RO) Rogelio B. Tanguid and Provincial Officer (PO) Rowena F. Billig discussed the safe and effective use of fertilizer and pesticide (F/P) products and FPA regulations on licensing and product registration. They made sure that the participants were well-informed on the importance of licensing F/P product handlers and the relevance of the F/P registration to the roles and functions of AEWs. FPA also elaborated on the value of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS).

BFS was a program initiated by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while maintaining soil structure and fertility through institutionalizing the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and other strategies.

The seminar was an avenue to strengthen partnerships with LGUs, and other DA Families, attached agencies, and bureaus (i.e. Bureau of Plant Industry – Baguio National Crop Research, Development and Production Support Center (BPI-BNCRDPSC) who also served as resource persons).

FPA-CAR is always in service to support the programs in compliance with the 10 Point Agenda in Agriculture by His Excellency President and DA Secretary Ferdinand E. Marcos, Jr. ###

ZAMBOANGA CITY | September 28, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Zamboanga Peninsula collaborated with Agway Chemicals Corporation in conducting the Mango Contractors’ training for 16 mango contractors in Brgy. Mercedes, Zamboanga City, on September 28, 2022.

Provincial Officer (PO) Paulyne Kim Alfuente discussed the rules and regulations governing the mango industry and the proper acquisition of nitrates as per Executive Order No. 522, s. 1992 and recent memorandums. She also walked them through the recognition and first aid management of pesticide poisoning.

On the other hand, Agway Sales and Technical Team Regional Sales Manager Viriel O. Ordoyo Technical presented the topics on plant nutrition and flower induction, cultural practices on Mango Production, and Insect Pest and Diseases Management, as well as the Pesticide Information: Mode of Action (MoA) Classification, IRAC/FRAC, and Safe and Effective of Pesticide on Mango.

The said training is required for mango contractors, growers, and spray crews in their acquisition and use of potassium nitrate and other nitrates as mango flower inducers. It is a collaborative effort of FPA and stakeholders to license mango contractors operating in the city.

The participants are expected to apply as licensed mango contractors. FPA and Agway Chemicals Corp will be assisting the interested participants in processing their documents. ###

GUIPOS, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR | September 27, 2022 – Regional Officer (RO) Alex S. Paalisbo and Provincial Officer (PO) Michael P. Tuico discussed the safe use of agricultural pesticides and Balance Fertilization Strategy (BFS) during the Aldiz Incorporated’s Farmer field tour activity in Brgy. Bagong Oroquieta, Guipos, Zamboanga Del Sur last September 27, 2022.

The discussion on the safe and responsible use of agricultural pesticides aimed to minimize serious risk while maximizing its benefits in controlling pests to obtain their desired good and quality harvest.

During the discussion, RO Paalisbo reminded the farmers to properly dispose the empty pesticide container by using the triple rinse technique and not to recycle it as a container for food and water to protect them from any residual effects. Furthermore, he emphasized using PPEs every time they use such crop protection products and observed proper handling during mixing and application to avoid possible hazards that they might acquire.

“Through the proper disposal of your empty container, we can help maintain a sustainable and sound environment,” Mr. Paalisbo added.

Meanwhile, PO Tuico introduced the BFS as they encouraged the farmers to use a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers, including bio-fertilizers, foliar spray fertilizers, and other sources of plant nutrients.

“BFS was a program initiated by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to institutionalize the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and other forms of strategies (i.e. green manuring or cover cropping, individual farm soil fertility maps, diversifying and improving cropping systems, etc.) to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while maintaining soil structure and fertility.

The strategy applies the 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent declining soil fertility and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

Fifty (50) rice farmers attended the seminar, and Aldiz Inc. Area Supervisor Mr. Gary G. Velez and his field technicians also discussed Crop Protection and Nutrition. ###

NABUNTURAN, DAVAO DE ORO | September 27, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority Regional Field Unit (FPA RFU) XI joined the front seat of Farmers and Fisherfolk Forum to address the concerns on the alarming price rise in fertilizer last September 23, 2022, at the Provincial Capitol Compound of Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.

Regional Officer (RO) Marrisa G. Napalit and Provincial Officer (PO) Rustom Gain Tanduyan provided updates on the ongoing fertilizer situation and explained the reasons for its rising prices. She explained that the global fertilizer crisis was due to the increasing prices of fuel, the Ukraine-Russian conflict, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, most fertilizer exporting countries prioritize their local distribution over exportation.

Regional Officer (RO) Marrisa Napalit walked them through the Presidential Decree 1144, which states the creation and the rules governing FPA and GAP. GAP refers “to the practices that address environmental, economic and social sustainability for on-farm processes, and which result in safe and quality food and nonfood agricultural products” (Republic Act No. 10611).

To help the farmers, RO Napalit introduced the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) program as an alternative way to lessen the dependency on commonly used chemical fertilizers and give enough balanced nutrients for plant growth.

BFS is a program recommended by FPA and other DA agencies that applies the 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent declining soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

“We are encouraging our partners, especially from the municipal sectors, to spread the BFS program to the farmers in their area. We are always ready to assist anyone willing to learn and apply BFS”, Ms. Napalit said.

FPA then distributed info materials such as Gabay sa Tamang Paggamit ng Abono at Pestisidyo, handouts regarding the price increase and BFS, and other FAQs brochures. ###