DIPLAHAN, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY | September 20, 2022 – Provincial Officer (PO) Charlie D. Limbag served as a resource speaker at the Package of Technology (POT) training at Sampoli B. Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay, on September 16, 2022.

PO Limbag discussed some tips on minimizing fertilizer costs through the Balance Fertilization Strategy (BFS). BFS is a program that includes the FPA and other DA agencies involved in farming. The idea of the program is to institutionalize the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and other forms of strategies (i.e., green manuring or cover cropping, individual farm soil fertility maps, diversifying and improving cropping system, etc.) to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while maintaining soil structure and fertility.

The said strategy applies the 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent declining soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

In addition, PO Limbag encouraged the farmers to use a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers, including bio-fertilizers, foliar spray fertilizers, and other sources of plant nutrients. He also reminded them to use PPEs every time they use such crop protection products and observe proper handling during mixing and application to avoid possible hazards they might acquire.

As part of FPA’s mandate, PO Limbag further promoted responsible and proper empty pesticide container disposal to protect the public from the inherent risks in the use of pesticides and maintain a sustainable and sound environment.

The training was attended by 37 rice farmers and was organized with the help of Aldiz Incorporated. ###