June 20, 2025 | Candelaria, Quezon — In line with its commitment to promoting responsible pesticide use in agriculture, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Regional Field Unit IV, in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) of Quezon and the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Candelaria, conducted a “Training on Pesticide Usage and Management” for local corn farmers in Barangay Mangilag Norte, Candelaria, Quezon.

Led by Suzettie M. Alcaide, FPA Regional Officer, the training aimed to enhance farmers’ awareness on the safe, effective, and environmentally sound use of pesticides. The session emphasized the importance of product stewardship, proper handling practices, and regulatory compliance in line with FPA’s mandate.

Mr. Marl Louie N. Seminiano, Agriculturist II, introduced participants to the core functions and regulatory powers of the FPA. He underscored the risks of purchasing agrichemicals from unauthorized sources and highlighted the agency’s enforcement, monitoring, and capacity-building initiatives.

Mr. Jan Paolo Umerez, also an FPA Agriculturist II, conducted a technical discussion on the correct procedures for pesticide handling, storage, and disposal. He reminded farmers that pesticide “cocktailing”—mixing different products to save on labor—is prohibited due to its risks. He also stressed the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce exposure during mixing and application.

Regional Officer Alcaide reiterated the importance of responsible pesticide management and cautioned against unsafe practices such as reusing pesticide containers, which can result in severe health and environmental hazards. She also discussed the classification of pesticides and the appropriate handling practices based on their toxicity levels.

“Fertilizers and pesticides are vital in improving corn yield, but their misuse can have dangerous consequences,” Ms. Alcaide said. “This is why it is essential to equip our farmers with the proper knowledge and tools to ensure both productivity and safety.”

The training empowered 27 farmers from Barangay Mangilag Norte to adopt science-based and safety-first approaches in their daily farming operations. The FPA team was supported by Filipina D. Frando and Kristian Kim Amurado from the Quezon Provincial Agriculture Office, along with Christian Castillo and Regina A. Rabutazo from the Candelaria Municipal Agriculture Office.

This initiative is part of the FPA’s ongoing effort to promote sustainable agriculture and protect public health through education and regulatory enforcement. ###

Writer: Ferdinand C. Mercene and Suzettie M. Alcaide

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