MASBATE CITY, MASBATE | March 27, 2023 – Forty (40) fertilizer and pesticide dealers were inspected during a Clean-Up Drive (CUD) operation on March 20-22, 2023, in the island province of Masbate.

Out of the 40 dealers, FPA Bicol Region issued Notice of Violations (NoVs) to two (2) dealers for operating without Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) personnel in the store. As intervention, they were required to attend the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training.

As stipulated under Presidential Decree No. 1144, FPA requires individuals in the store to attend the ASD training to properly dispense fertilizer and pesticide products and assist farmers in the safe handling and storage of agricultural inputs. It serves as pre-requisite for securing a License to Operate (LTO) as dealer.

Further, the team warned all dealers to avoid purchasing off-specification products from companies with suspension orders and advised them to randomly weigh in fertilizer bags before receiving the products. Through this, farmers will be ensured of safe and quality fertilizer and pesticide products.

To facilitate accreditation and license renewal of dealers with NoVs, FPA Bicol conducted an ASD training in Masbate City on March 23-24, 2023, which was attended by fourteen (14) participants.

Regional Officer (RO) Gabriel Atole led the operation along with Provincial Officers (PO) Rodny Conda, Christopher Nuñez, Rosie Malazar, Cris Legaspi, Winsor Nueva, and Ardon Ryan Nee-Estuye. ###