SOCCSKSARGEN | October 6, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority SOCCSKSARGEN inspected the six (6) wastewater treatment facilities of Dole Philippines Inc. located at Barangay Polo and Cannery Site, Polomolok, Surallah, and T’boli, South Cotabato on September 21-22, 2022.

The inspection was in response to the briefing on the procedure and technical requirements for the issuance of a certification allowing the safe reuse of wastewater for fertilization that happened at Dole Philippines Inc., Polomolok, South Cotabato, last September 20, 2022.

FPA XII team headed by Regional Officer (RO) Alita C. Bornea, with the Provincial Officers (PO) Jennie M. Basilio, PO Cherubin M Alonzo, PO Maricel P. Tabigue, PO Joey B. Pascua, and Dole Philippines Inc. representatives attended the said briefing in which Mark Kevin Salita, a representative from FPA-Fertilizer Regulatory Division, led the discussion on the reuse of wastewater for fertilization. In addition, Dole Philippines Inc.-Environmental Compliance Superintendent Mr. Ariel P. Autida briefed the team on the company’s situation in disposing of their wastewater and other related information.

Under Administrative Order No. 26 Series of 2007, all wastewater generators for fertilization and other agricultural uses shall secure a discharge permit from the DENR, and the discharge permit requires submission of a certification of safe wastewater reuse from the Department of Agriculture. This is in line with the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

During the inspection, the team witnessed the disposing process of wastewater in the field.

The said activity was conducted to train the FPA XII Field Officers on the actual inspection of wastewater for the issuance of a certification allowing the safe reuse of wastewater for fertilization and as compliance of Dole Philippines Inc. for their application. ###

 Source: Philippines, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary. (n.d.). ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 26 SERIES OF 2007.