VIRAC, CATANDUANES | May 26, 2022 – Twenty-seven (27) fertilizer and pesticide dealers were inspected during a Clean-Up Drive (CUD) Operation/Enforcement Activity on May 23-24, 2022, in the island province of Catanduanes.

Out of the 27 dealers, FPA Bicol Region found eight (8) unlicensed dealers. The unlicensed dealers were issued with Notice of Violations (NOV) and required to attend the Accredited Safety Dispenser Training which is one of the requirements in securing an FPA license.

On the other hand, licensed dealers were encouraged to apply as fertilizer accredited merchants of the Department of Agriculture to boost the fertilizer discount vouchers program and to ensure the availability of fertilizers in the far-flung areas of Catanduanes. 

During the said enforcement activities, the FPA RFU V personnel also made a courtesy call to the different Local Government Units – Agriculture Offices and distributed Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials.

After the two-day CUD, A face-to-face Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training was conducted in Virac, Catanduanes on May 25-26, 2022 to 16 participants. All of the unlicensed dealers with Notice of Violations (NOV) attended the training.

Likewise, the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) program was highlighted as one of the topics discussed during the ASD Training by FPA Bicol Regional Officer Mr. Gabriel B. Atole.

Mr. Atole presented the recommended registered fertilizer for BFS and encourage the dealers to promote the same so that the farmers have an alternative source of fertilizers.

The team was headed by Regional Officer Mr. Gabriel B. Atole, FPA-Cam. Sur and Catanduanes Provincial Officer Engr. Christohper M. Nuñez, FPA-Cam. Norte Provincial Officer Engr. Cris L. Legaspi, FPA-Albay Provincial Officer Mr. Winsor L. Nueva, FPA-Sorsogon Provincial Officer Engr. Ardon Ryan E. Nee-Estuye and FPA-Masbate Provincial Officer Mr. Rodny P. Conda. ###