CAMARINES SUR | September 2022 – Thirty-three (33) out of 59 fertilizer and pesticide (F/P) handlers received Notice of Violations (NoVs) during the Clean-Up Drive (CUD) operation on September 20-23, 2022, in the 3rd, 4th and 5th districts of Camarines Sur.

During the operation, FPA Bicol Region found 25 unlicensed dealers and required them to attend the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training which is a requirement to secure an FPA license.

Meanwhile, six (6) handlers selling underweight fertilizers were found during the random weighing and inspection. The field officers reported the findings to the FPA Central Office, and the Regional Officer recommended calling the attention of the importer/manufacturer of the said underweight fertilizers.

The two (2) establishments also received Stop Use, Move, Sale (SUMS) Hold Orders for selling Turbo Prime Complete 14-14-14, which is still under suspension due to off-specification. The manufacturers were already coordinated to pull out the concerned products from the store as required for their compliance.

Compliant dealers, on the other hand, were commended and encouraged to be partners of FPA in ensuring the safety and quality of the fertilizer and pesticide users. Regional Officer (RO) Gabriel B. Atole reminded them to avoid purchasing off-spec products from companies with suspension orders and to only buy from legitimate suppliers. The random weighing was also advised to the dealers to check if the fertilizer products were in the standard weights.

The team was headed by RO Atole, together with FPA-Cam. Sur and Catanduanes Provincial Officer (PO) Engr. Christopher M. Nuñez, FPA-Cam. Norte PO Engr. Cris L. Legaspi, FPA-Albay PO Mr. Winsor L. Nueva, FPA-Masbate PO Mr. Rodny P. Conda and FPA-Sorsogon PO Engr. Ardon Ryan E. Nee-Estuye. ###