DIGOS CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR | FEBRUARY 23, 2023 – FPA Deputy Executive Director (DED) for Pesticide, Mr. Eric Divinagracia, and Provincial Officer (PO) Imelda Rasay joined the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) research committee meeting as one of the Technical Working Groups (TWG) to discuss concerns on aerial spraying of pesticide in the province last February 10, 2023, at DENR-PENRO Conference Hall in Digos City.

DENR, NEDA, Office of the Civil Defense, Tourism, and City and Provincial LGUs, have set up local guidelines to regulate modern crop protection technologies like drone spray applications, especially in Brgy. Kapatagan, Digos City, where banana plantations are located.

During the session, PO Rasay highlighted the memorandum circular issued by FPA on Good Agricultural Practices for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for use as spraying (MC no. 28 s. 2018). In addition, Ms. Rasay mentioned that FPA is already regulating Drone Spraying Operator Companies by accrediting their Pesticide Applicators and Spray Operation Crew, aside from their license as Drone Controller from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

Moreover, PO Rasay discussed the drone application of pesticides, including the safety procedures in pesticide spraying, safe handling of pesticides, and pesticide safety – post application. She emphasized during her discussion the equipment needed, recommended flying altitude of drone sprayers, proper transportation of pesticides, and reports required after spraying.

DED Divinagracia also informed the committee that the lists of approved chemicals for specific crops for drone spraying are available on the FPA website.

“There will be no problem with the application, exposure limit from excess mist/drifts, and wind velocity as far as the formulation and the proper guidelines are followed,” Mr. Divinagracia added while citing its advantages from conventional practices.

The PAMB and the rest of the TWGs are set to finalize their local guidelines and will adopt the memorandum issued by FPA regarding Drone Aerial Spraying in Davao del Sur. ###