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KABAYAN, BENGUET | April 13, 2022 – As part of the month-long celebration of the 13th Eco-Agri Tourism and Bindiyan Festival, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) collaborated with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kabayan, Benguet to conduct an alternative Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training at Pine Cone Lodge Function Hall, Palenas, Poblacion, Kabayan on April 12, 2022. Inocencio Bernard, the GAP focal person of the Office of the Benguet Provincial Agriculturist, gave a lecture on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) during the training. A total of 44 Benguet farmers benefited from the training.

Regional Officer (RO) Rogelio Tanguid and Provincial Officer (PO) Rowena Billig represented the FPA CAR team. Municipal Agriculturist Geofrey B. Binaliw of the Office of the Municipal Agriculture led the LGU team (OMAg). In addition, the VALAP Incorporated contributed to the activity by providing fertilizer samples and prizes that were raffled off before the session ended.

Four (4) associations were convinced to push through with their businesses and expected to comply with the documentary requirements before the end of the month. At the same time, two (2) individuals who had been inspected last March were to complete applications before the month ends.

The LGU expressed its desire to invite FPA again for the festival next year since the municipality’s farming industry has been growing exponentially. The officials also showed their interest in attending since they realized that the topics were crucial for farmers complying with the food safety act.

QUEZON CITY | April 11, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) finalized its budget proposal amounting to Php 348.6M and presented to the Technical Review Workshop on FY 2023 Plan and Budget Proposal of the Department of Agriculture (DA) last April 4-7, 2022.

The proposal covers Personnel Services for Php 103.6M (30%); MOOE for PhP 62.2M (18%); Capital Outlay for Php 179.8M (51%); and Locally Funded Program of Php 3M (1%).

Aside from funding the regular activities, the proposed amount also includes budget for the following activities and projects:

• For Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE): 
  • Provision for the institutional contract of service personnel as per DBM-COA Joint Circular No. 2, s. 2020;
  • Calibration and preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment;
  • Travelling expenses and additional fuel allocation due to surge of fuel prices;
  • Implementation of ONE DA Reform Agenda: Fortified Organic Fertilizer Development Program in line with the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Measures; and
  • Provision for the increase in office rentals and other operating expenses of Regional Offices.

• For Capital Outlay:
  • Phase 2 laboratory building: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Sanitary/Plumbing works;
  • Replacement of unserviceable and old FPA vehicles used in monitoring activities;
  • Replacement of old Kheldhal laboratory equipment which analyzes fertilizer and pesticide products for registration;
  • Construction of two-storey building for Region 5; and
  • Improvement of the Convention Hall Audio Visual System.

The FPA is set to present its budget proposal with the DA Secretary and the NAF Council on April 20, 2022.