FPA-CAR trains 329 individuals on Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) for 2021

Written by Rowena Bilig, Provincial Officer in Baguio and Benguet   l   Published: 10 December 2021

December 10, 2021 | Benguet - 329 individuals were trained by Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority- Cordillera Administrative Region (FPA-CAR) on Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) from the 28 ASD trainings conducted for 2021.

The accomplishment can be broken down as follows: 16 ASD trainings conducted in Benguet attended by 253 trainees; Kalinga and Apayao provinces with seven ASD trainings / coaching attended by 34 participants; Ifugao and Mt. Province areas have 27 participants from four ASD coaching/trainings; and one ASD training was conducted in Abra with 15 trainees.

The FPA-CAR said that the ASD trainings were held while following the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) health and safety guidelines and protocols.

“Such activities were done either through one-on-one coaching; on-site trainings; or office-based activities. Virtual activities with the target clients was not possible due to poor internet connectivity within their locations,” said Rowena Billig, FPA Provincial Officer in Baguio and Benguet.

She added that the continuing conduct of Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training amidst the COVID-19 pandemic resulted into 47 applications for licenses in the region.

“We are able to secure availability of fertilizer and agricultural pesticides for the local farmers within the remote areas during the lockdown periods. Hence, agricultural produce became available in the market for consumers,” she explained.

Agro-chemical companies ensured the compliance of distributors and dealers on licensing and good housekeeping. Provincial Officer Billig said that they serve as frontliners in ensuring availability of farm inputs and the training of local farmers on the safe and effective use of their products.

The FPA-CAR acknowledges the valuable contribution of local government units and the different regional attached bureaus, agencies and corporations of the Department of Agriculture involved in research and development, production and regulation of high-value crops.

“The boundless spirit of volunteerism, showing concern to others, and the resiliency among key players from the government and private sectors made the year productive,” FPA CAR said.