Malaybalay City, Bukidnon | August 08, 2022 – FPA Northern Mindanao conducted an Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training for 62 individuals at the Garden Party Venue, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, last August 02, 2022.

Regional Officer (RO) Ma. Sonia C. Calleja led the presentation regarding the reasons for the increasing fertilizer prices. In her discussion, she highlighted that the global fertilizer crisis is due to the rising prices of fuel, the Ukraine-Russian conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, most fertilizer exporting countries prioritize their local distribution over exportation.

It is worth noting that the country has been for a long-time a net importer of fertilizers. About 90% of the country’s needs for fertilizer are mostly imported from China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In addition, some are being imported from Qatar, Canada, Korea, and the Middle East, while local production accounts for only 10% of the country’s fertilizer supply.

RO Calleja also discussed the recognition of pesticide poisoning and emphasized that pesticide handlers should be alert to the early stages of signs and symptoms of poisoning and immediately and completely remove the source of exposure, such as contaminated clothing (ASD Manual).

Provincial Officer (PO) Christie D. Lim presented the Agency’s mandate and highlighted the powers and functions of FPA as stipulated under Section 6 of PD 1144. While PO Charles Joseph C. Follosco discussed the soil, fertilizer, and plant growth.

Moreover, Ms. Cathy Sumagaysay from Syngenta Philippines Inc. discussed the safe handling and basic information about pesticides. She briefly explained the steps of efficient, effective use of pesticides and the importance of reading the label during buying, mixing, applying, and disposing of pesticides as part of their product stewardship and responsible care program.

The training is a prerequisite for acquiring License to Operate (LTO) as fertilizer and pesticide handlers.

The participants are expected to process their licenses in the next succeeding days to the FPA Regional Office. ###