November 7, 2024 | Tuguegarao City – In a significant step towards advancing food safety, security, and agricultural productivity, eight personnel (8) from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Region II, led by Regional Officer Leonardo A. Bangad, participated in a one-day training on the use of the Rapid Test Kit (RTK) for detecting pesticide residues in vegetables at the DA-Cagayan Valley Integrated Agricultural Laboratory (DA-CVIAL) in Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City on November 5, 2024. 

The FPA participants gained essential skills for on-the-spot pesticide residue testing, ensuring that residue levels in agricultural produce fall within safe limits. The hands-on sessions covered the entire testing process—from sample collection to result interpretation—with emphasis on proper handling and quality control to ensure accuracy and reliability. 

Each FPA personnel received an RTK and additional supplies for conducting pesticide residue testing, empowering them to continue this vital work in the field.

“This training provides not only essential knowledge but also equipment, enabling us to actively promote food safety in the region,” Regional Officer Bangad remarked. 

He highlighted that the skills and tools gained will allow FPA to monitor and manage pesticide use, advancing safer agricultural practices in Cagayan Valley.

Ms. Lawrence G. Gaspar, training facilitator, explained that the RTK is designed to detect specific carbamates and organophosphates in select vegetables like eggplant, beans, tomato, and cabbage. 

She added that scientists are working to enhance the RTK’s capacity and reliability, and that despite its limitations, it remains a valuable tool due to its portability and ease of use by farmers.

The training was organized in close coordination with DA-CVIAL under the leadership of Dr. Gerly Zulueta, and made possible with support by DA Regional Director Rose Mary G. Aquino. This underscored her dedication to enhancing food safety and quality in Cagayan Valley. ###

Written by: Leonardo A. Bangad and Arwin A. Cardenas

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