LIPA CITY, BATANGAS | October 27, 2022 – A total of forty-five (45) new fertilizer and pesticide dealers in Region IV attended the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training last October 18, 2022, at LARES Conference Hall, LARES Compound, Brgy. Maraouy, Lipa City, Batangas.

The team discussed the FPA governing rules and regulations, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), recognition and first aid management of pesticide poisoning cases, soils, fertilizer, safe handling of fertilizer, and good housekeeping. Moreover, Mr. Engracio “Bong” Baral, Operations Manager of Zeal Ecological Nature Corp. (ZENCOR), served as a speaker for general information and safe handling of pesticides.

During the open forum, the team reminded the participants to check the updated list of registered products on the FPA website or contact the provincial officer assigned to the region. When concern regarding the disposal of the empty pesticide bottles surrendered by the farmers was raised, the team highlighted the FPA Memorandum Circular No. 12 s. 2017, stating that the content of their trash bins must be collected regularly by their distributor for proper disposal.

In closing, the Department of Agriculture CALABARZON OIC Regional Executive Director Milo Delos Reyes emphasized the optimum use of both inorganic and organic fertilizers to meet the nutritional needs of the crops while maintaining soil structure and fertility. He also commended the agency for ensuring that only quality fertilizer and pesticide products were in the market.

ASD refers to an individual who attended the training conducted by FPA and passed the examinations administered by the Regional Field Units (RFUs). They must be present at the store during business hours to advise buyers/end-users on the safe use, handling, and storage of fertilizer and pesticide products and ensure that only FPA-registered fertilizer and pesticide products are dispensed.

RO Alcaide spearheaded the training along with Mr. Edmar Bundalian, Allan Jade Rojo, Mark Nicky Larga, and Georlene P. Orbista. ###