KIDAPAWAN CITY, February 24, 2022. Deputy Executive Director for Pesticide Eric C. Divinagracia encouraged participants of the ASD Training here to always conduct their business with integrity, compassion, and the farmers’ plight in mind.

“As pesticide handlers, we are part of the agriculture ecosystem, and as such we should always bear in mind that our ultimate goal is to become enablers of agricultural productivity by selling quality fertilizer and pesticides at reasonable prices for the benefit of our farmers,” Dir. Divinagracia explained.

Led by its Regional Officer, Ms. Alita Bornea, FPA Regional Field Unit XII initiated this training for Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) Training held at HOF Mansion Inn, Balindog, Kidapawan City, Cotabato on February 9, 2022.

Sixty-one (61) individual business operators and personnel of dealer stores selling fertilizer and agricultural pesticides were present. Resource speakers discussed proper soil management and pesticide application.

The safe and judicious use, handling, and storage of agricultural pesticides were discussed by Ms. Jennie Basilio, Agriculturist II. She reiterated the importance of proper handling of pesticides because of its toxic and dangerous nature.  

In addition, Joey Pascua, Agriculturist II based in Kidapawan, emphasized the proper use and storage of fertilizer, including the proper quantity of fertilizer to maximize its impact on the plant’s nutrition levels.

The Pesticide Poisoning & First Aid and Good Housekeeping principles were explained by Mr. Cherubin Alonzo, Agriculturist II.  Lastly, the FPA-Governing Rules and Regulation was presented by another Agriculturist II, Ms. Maricel Tabigue.

On the other hand, Ms. Catherine Sumagaysay, Product Stewardship Manager of Syngenta Philippines Inc. explained the Mode of Action and Insecticide Resistance Management. Resistance can be developed when the same pesticide or similar ones with the same mode of action is used repeatedly.

The training is a regular activity of the field units to ensure the proper handling and effective use of fertilizer and pesticides.  ###