TRECE MARTIRES CITY, CAVITE | August 10, 2022 – FPA-Cavite Provincial Officer (PO) Allan Jade V. Rojo and Regional Officer (RO) Suzettie M. Alcaide served as resource speakers during the first day of a week-long training entitled “Capability Enhancement Course for Agriculture Extension Workers (AEWs): Approaches to Integrate Nutrient Management for Rice” on August 8, 2022, in Trece Martires City, Cavite. The said training was conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute IV-A (ATI IV-A) for twenty-five (25) AEWs in CALABARZON.

PO Rojo discussed the functions of the FPA and provided updates on the FPA’s policies, plans, and programs. Further, he explained the reasons for the increasing prices of fertilizers. He highlighted that the global fertilizer crisis is due to the rising prices of fuel, the Ukraine-Russian conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, most fertilizer exporting countries prioritize their local distribution over exportation.

On the other hand, RO Suzettie M. Alcaide discussed the implementation of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS). BFS is a program initiated by the Department of Agriculture that pushes for the use of combined organic and inorganic inputs and other forms of strategy to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while promoting balanced fertilization in maintaining soil fertility.

RO Alcaide discussed the four strategies in BFS; 1. Soil Testing and Soil Fertility Map, 2. Integrated Nutrient Management, 3. Cropping System, and 4. Fertilizer Best Management Practices.

She emphasized the need to apply the 4Rs in fertilization: Right source, Right Placement, Right amount, and Right rate. This shall enhance soil health and productivity, prevent the decline in soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability while minimizing the cost of production.

During the open forum, several issues were raised by the participants, such as the proliferation of fake fertilizers and off-specifications products, which are sold at a very high cost but with minimal or no effect on the crop. RO Alcaide discussed with the AEWs that FPA has already informed the public about these fake fertilizers. “We are strictly monitoring and working closely with the fertilizer handlers to address the issues,” RO Alcaide said.

Moreover, FPA issued a suspension order to local fertilizer manufacturers who are found to be non-compliant with FPA rules and regulations, specifically, those who have products that are below the minimum declared guaranteed analysis. These local manufacturers are now ordered to recall or pull out their products in the market and provided with other corrective actions that they should undertake.

RO Alcaide asked the AEWs to help FPA inform the public to report and refrain from patronizing the alleged fake products and off-specs products to combat its proliferation. ###