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October 29, 2024 | Quezon City – As part of its commitment to promoting food safety, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture – Food Safety Focal Group, held a webinar titled “Safe and Judicious Use of Pesticides” on October 28, 2024. The online event, conducted via Zoom, aimed to raise awareness of pesticide safety as a critical component of the national food safety strategy.

This year’s theme, “Pagkain Ligtas at Sapat: Kaagapay sa Maunlad at Matatag na Bagong Pilipinas,” underscores the collective action of the government to create safe, sustainable, and resilient food systems for a stronger and more prosperous nation. 

In her opening remarks, FPA Director Lansagan highlighted the significance of safe and nutritious food: “The importance of having safe, healthful food on our tables cannot be overstated. It fuels our productivity and overall well-being, crucial for national progress. As one of the country’s Food Safety Regulatory Agencies (FSRAs), FPA is committed to ensuring that agricultural inputs meet safety and quality standards.”

She highlighted that FPA plays a critical role in the implementation of RA 10611 or the ‘Food Safety Act of 2013’, particularly in maintaining a farm-to-fork food safety regulatory system that ensures a high level of food safety, promotes fair trade, and advances global competitiveness of Philippine foods and food products.

The webinar featured Regional Officer Mr. Mark Nicky Larga, who presented key pesticide handling, application, and disposal practices to promote the safe and responsible use of these agricultural inputs.

Food Safety Awareness Week is celebrated every last week of October as per Presidential Proclamation No. 160, series of 1999. It recognizes “a need for continuous education on food safety to achieve the goal of eradicating food poisoning and other foodborne illness.” 

80 participants from various regions attended the recently held webinar.. ###

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

Camarines Sur | October 22, 2024 — In response to a recent pesticide poisoning incident, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA)—Bicol, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture—Regional Field Office 5 (DA-RFO5) and local government units, conducted Pesticide Safe Use Training for farmers in Barangay Buluang, Baao, and Barangay Santicon, Polangui, on October 17-18, 2024.

The training, which aimed to prevent future incidents and promote the responsible use of pesticides, equipped farmers with essential knowledge on the safe handling, storage, and application of these chemicals. Key topics covered included the management of pesticide poisoning, the correct interpretation of product labels, and the critical importance of purchasing only FPA-registered products. Ninety farmers appreciated the practical insights, recognizing the training’s role in safeguarding their health and enhancing their farming practices.

Regional Officer (RO) Mr. Gabriel B. Atole stressed the importance of proper pesticide use, highlighting that while these chemicals are vital for crop protection, they pose significant health risks when mishandled. He reminded the farmers that pesticides are inherently hazardous and must be used carefully to avoid harmful exposure.

Prior to the training, on October 15-16, 2024, FPA-Bicol conducted the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training in Pili, Camarines Sur, attended by 30 participants from Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and Albay. 

Engr. Christopher M. Nuñez, FPA Provincial Officer of Camarines Sur, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of safety and regulatory compliance in agricultural practices. RO Atole further explained that accredited safety dispensers are crucial in maintaining the integrity of fertilizer and pesticide distribution, ensuring that products are handled and applied following FPA standards.

These training initiatives are part of FPA’s ongoing commitment to promoting agricultural safety and are expected to significantly enhance the protection of farmers and their communities in the Bicol region. Mr. Victor Cortez, Agriculturist II of the Baao Municipal Agriculture Office, expressed his gratitude for the comprehensive training.

The training team consisted of Regional Officer Mr. Gabriel B. Atole, FPA-Albay Provincial Officer Mr. Winsor L. Nueva, FPA-Camarines Sur I, and Catanduanes Provincial Officer Engr. Christopher M. Nuñez, FPA-Camarines Sur II Provincial Officer Ms. Rosie T. Malazar, FPA-Sorsogon Provincial Officer Engr. Ardon Ryan E. Nee-Estuye, and FPA-Masbate Provincial Officer Mr. Rodny P. Conda.  ###

Written by: Gabriel B. Atole

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