DAVAO DEL NORTE AND DAVAO DE ORO | August 31, 2022 – Deputy Executive Director for Pesticide Eric C. Divinagracia led the meeting of fertilizer and pesticide stakeholders in the Davao Region to update them about the fertilizer and pesticide situation in the country.

He and the FPA Davao Office, led by Supervising Agriculturist Marissa G. Napalit had the chance to address some of the pressing issues such as fertilizer supply and enforcement regulations with Fertilizer and Pesticide Dealers Association of Davao del Norte Inc. (FAPDADI) on August 23 and Fertilizer and Pesticide Dealers Association of Compostela Valley Inc. (FAPDACI) on August 26, 2022. A total of 99 participants attended the meeting.

During the program, Ms. Cheery B. Agrade and Mr. Rustom Gain Tanduyan updated the dealers on the new and existing rules on product registration, licensing of handlers, awareness of the banned and restricted pesticides. They also reminded them to be vigilant in purchasing fertilizer and pesticide products.

Moreover, Ms. Marrisa G. Napalit discussed with the dealers the reasons for the fertilizer price hike and the importance of using the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS). She also discussed the latest laws and issuances of the Agency in line with the fake and off-specs fertilizers and pesticides, and the issuance of Stop Use, Move, Sale (SUMS) Order to the violators. Moreover, Ms. Napalit reiterated that the dealers should always check for legitimacy and the authenticity of the f/p products by checking their active product registration and license to operate, which can be viewed on the FPA’s website.

Mr. Eric C. Divinagracia emphasized to the dealers of patronizing fertilizer and pesticide products from FPA-licensed suppliers or distributors. “Always ask for the Certificate of Product Registration (CPR), License to Operate (LTO), and consult with FPA field officers for further verification as needed,” Mr. Divinagracia said.

Moreover, the FPA plans to conduct a refresher course for the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) since they became the main target of those selling f/p products due to the lack of awareness. Mr. Divinagracia urged FPA Davao Region to implement this course of action since there is a need to update the knowledge and awareness of the stakeholders, especially the dealers. He then thanked all the association officers and the members for their continued support to FPA in positively carrying out its mandate. ###