ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY | July 18, 2022 – FPA Zamboanga Peninsula discussed the Agency’s mandate, Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS), and the safe and judicious use of pesticides to 25 farmers from Abaca Field School at R.T. Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay last July 14, 2022.

Mr. Dionn Mark Bohol, FPA Provincial Officer (PO) of Zamboanga del Norte introduced the Agency’s role in the Philippine agriculture. He also discussed the role of FPA on Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) Program.

He explained that BFS applies the concept of 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent the decline in soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

Moreover, he emphasized that soil analysis must precede any fertilization program, as each site has a crop-specific fertilizer recommendation. Additionally, he proposed and promoted the use of various sources of plant nutrients and combined fertilization, such as organic compost and foliar fertilizers to reduce dependency on synthetic fertilizers.

On the other hand, Mr. Charlie D. Limbag, PO of Zamboanga Sibugay, taught the farmers how to properly use the pesticides to prevent contamination and poisoning. He emphasized the significance of understanding the pesticide labels, such as registered crops, target pests, dosage rate, and Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI). He also encouraged the farmers to always wear PPE while applying pesticides. “Safety should be our number one concern when applying pesticides,” Mr. Limbag stressed.

Lastly, Ms. Paulyne Kim Alfuente PO of Zamboanga City educated the farmers on recognizing pesticide poisoning and administering first aid to the victims. She emphasized in her discussion that carbamates and organophosphate were the most common causes of poisoning and they should always take precautionary measures in using such pesticides.

“In administering first aid, we should institute it immediately, avoid self-contamination, and act calmly. We should also bring the victim to the hospital and take an image of the product that caused the poisoning for basis in proper treatment,” Ms. Alfuente said.

The activity was organized by the Phil. Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA). ###