QUEZON PROVINCE | July 11, 2022 – Thirty-two (32) participants completed the in-house Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training conducted on July 6-7, 2022 in Sariaya, Quezon. The training was requested by Sunrise Dragon Jade Agri Corporation (SDJAC).

During his opening remarks, SDJAC President Nilo Bornolla said, “ASD training is important for fertilizer and pesticide dealers to maintain and provide the highest quality of goods and services to our clients. It also helps in ensuring that our handlers are safe when dealing with agricultural chemicals.”

FPA RFU 4 discussed the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) fertilizer and pesticide industry regulator. The FPA was created under the virtue of the Presidential Decree 1144 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on 1977. However, with the FPA Memorandum Circular No. 1 series of 1986, the fertilizer industry was liberalized, allowing private companies to take control over their fertilizer procurement (Operations Manual, 2022).

They also explained what soil is and its composition. They discussed the nutrients needed by plants and how to supply them through soil fertilization.

They also provided general information on pesticides. They explained what pesticide is, the purpose of registering these products to FPA, and types of registration, among others. They also shared how to effectively carry out a pest control program through:

• Identifying the pest problem to be able to know the proper solution
• Getting information on pesticides to the know dose rates, dilutions, timing and frequency of application, method of application, precautions to be taken, and cost per unit area
• Buying the correct product and purchasing only the amount enough for the particular job
• Reading the label before buying, transporting, mixing or application of the product; after using and before storing/disposal; and in cases where there is poisoning, spillage, or contamination

Afterward, they discussed the safe handling, transport, and storage of pesticide products. The FPA team described the different ways of getting exposed to the harmful chemicals of pesticides and what protective measures should be applied for each. They emphasized wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling pesticide products, including goggles, respirator, long-sleeved shirt, rubber gloves, wide-brimmed hat, overalls, and rubber boots. 

The team explained first aid applications for pesticide poisoning. If over-exposure to pesticides is suspected, the team advised to give first aid immediately. Then, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Make sure to provide the doctor medical history and the label indicated on the pesticide product (ASD Training Manual, 2020).

For her exit remarks, Regional Officer (RO) Suzettie Alcaide emphasized that dealers should only obtain their fertilizer and pesticide products from licensed distributors to ensure the quality of the products to be sold.

Likewise, she reminded the distributors to distribute to licensed dealers only. She said, “Dealers and distributor, including their personnel, should be partners of FPA in ensuring the safety of farmers and the consuming public as far as fertilizer and pesticide products are concerned.”

FPA Regional Field Unit facilitated the activity (RFU) 4 headed by the RO Alcaide, along with Provincial Officers Edmar Bundalian, Mark Nicky Larga, Allan Jade Rojo, Georlene Orbista, Froilan Bañaga, and Dexter Leynes. ###