LA PAZ, LEYTE | July 22, 2022 – RFU VIII conducted an Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training to 25 farmers last July 14-15, 2022, at La Paz Municipal Agriculture Office. 

Mr. Francis Salvador B. Costas, Regional Officer (RO) of Region VIII, explained the FPA’s mandate. “FPA envisions an improved quality of life through increased farm incomes, productivity, and food production using safe and appropriate fertilizer and pesticide inputs. To achieve this, our Agency implements policies, rules, and programs to ensure that the fertilizers and pesticides sold in the market are safe and at reasonable prices,” Mr. Costas stressed.  

Further, the team discussed to the farmers the safe storage and disposal of fertilizers and pesticides, the recognition of pesticide poisoning and administration of first aid to victims, and the duties of an Accredited Safety Dispenser.

The team stressed the following responsibilities of an ASD to wit:

• advise the buyers/farmers on the safe use, handling, and storage of fertilizer and pesticide products
• keep records of the sale and disposition of agricultural products
• ensure that only FPA-registered products are dispensed
• monitor the business transactions regarding fertilizer and pesticide products

The activity is conducted in collaboration with the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist to encourage farmers to form a cooperative and become fertilizer and pesticide dealers. Additionally, being a member of a cooperative qualifies farmers for the fertilizer voucher program administered by the Department of Agriculture. ###