Tantangan, South Cotabato | July 30, 2022– The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Regional Field Unit-XII, in coordination with the Agway Chemical Corporation, conducted a mango contractor training in Tantangan, South Cotabato, last July 28, 2022.

Provincial Officer (PO) Cherubin M. Alonzo discussed the FPA mandates and their functions. He also tackled Executive Order (EO) No. 522, covering the FPA rules and regulations governing the mango industry and the acquisition of use of nitrates.

Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃) has inherent qualities beneficial to flower-inducing for mango and other crops. However, KNO₃ and other nitrates are substances that are found to be potentially carcinogenic and can be used for explosives. Therefore, importation, sale, possession, and use of these chemicals are restricted and subject to strict supervision by the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Further, PO Jennie M. Basilio discussed the importance of the safe handling of pesticides. She emphasized that pesticides are formulated to be toxic, and they can be dangerous if misused and mishandled.

Fifty-six (56) mango growers from the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato participated in the training. The training taught the participants how to properly use potassium nitrate as a mango flower inducer and deepened their understanding of the safe and judicious use of fertilizers and pesticides.

The newly trained participants are expected to apply for their FPA License to Operate (LTO) as mango flower inducer and submit their application to the nearest FPA office. ###