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November 27, 2024 | Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat – As part of efforts to promote the safe and efficient application of drones in farming, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Region XII and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Lambayong, conducted an Information Caravan on the Safe and Judicious Use of Fertilizers and Pesticides for Drone Application on November 27, 2024, at Barangay Didtaras, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.

A live drone demonstration, led by Agridom Solutions Corporation and New Hope Precision Agriculture Corporation, was showcased to the farmer attendees, demonstrating the efficiency of drones in farming operations. They explained to the participants how drone applications can boost productivity, reduce labor requirements, minimize environmental impacts and exposure of end-users on hazardous chemicals.

“Makikita natin kung paano binabago ng makabagong teknolohiya ng drones ang ating pagsasaka, at paano nito maaaring mapadali ang trabaho ng ating mga magsasaka. 

Sa ating mga butihing magsasaka, hinihikayat ko kayo na makilahok at maki-isa sa programang ito ng makabagong teknolohiya. Nakakasigurado kayo na katuwang ninyo ang pamahalaan upang lalong pagbutihin ang sektor ng agrikultura, na syang nagsisilbing pangunahing kabuhayan sa ating bansa,” Executive Director Julieta Lansangan said during her opening remarks.

Following the demonstration, a series of presentations was held. FPA Provincial Officer, Mr. Ronick Boctot elaborated on the FPA’s mandate under PD 1144, reinforcing the importance of regulatory compliance. Mr. Jessie James Bajenting, a representative from the National Rice Program, introduced the Drones4Rice program, explaining its potential benefits to farmers and the agricultural sector. Ms. Maribel Querijero, Chief of the Pesticide Regulations Division, discussed the Enhanced Rules and Regulations on Agricultural Pesticide Application Using Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). Deputy Executive Director for Pesticide, Mr. Eric C. Divinagracia, emphasized the safe and judicious use of pesticides to ensure public health and environmental protection.

Moreover, Mr. Genaro Valencia, SFGC Research and Technical Director, and Mr. Lan-Mark Berenger, Senior Drone Pilot/Mindanao Team Leader of New Hope Precision Agriculture Corporation, shared practical applications of drone technology in rice farming, highlighting its transformative impact on field operations.

The information caravan serves as part of FPA’s commitment under the Drones4Rice project to disseminate the protocols, standards and monitoring guidelines on the use of drones in agriculture. It also aims to promote and support the DA program intended for rice farmers that enables them to have access to various drone services such as seeding, nutrient management, pest and disease management and fertilizer and pesticide application by FPA-licensed drone operators through a voucher system.

A total of 291 participants, composed of farmers and industry stakeholders, attended the pilot activity. Another caravan will be held on December 11, 2024 in Region III. ###

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