FPA-CAR supports joint initiatives of LGUs and Philex Mining Corporation on Food Safety and Sustainability Activities

Written by Rowena F. Billig, FPA-CAR Provincial Officer for Benguet & Baguio City  l  Published: 12 May 2022

BENGUET | May 11, 2022 – FPA-CAR Regional Officer Rogelio B. Tanguid and Benguet Officer Rowena F. Billig discussed the safe and effective use of fertilizer and pesticide products during the seminar on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) held on April 28 and May 10 in Camp 3, Tuba, Benguet.

Other invited speakers for the two-day activity are the Benguet Provincial GAP focal person Inocencio Bernard, who discussed to the requirements and farm lay out on GAP; and personnel from Tuba Municipal Risk Reduction and Management Office who discussed general first aid management including pesticide poisoning management.

The training aimed to educate farmers on ways to reduce contamination of their produce. The GAP training helped in improving sanitary conditions and minimizing spoilage or transport damage. Participants also learned proper responses to prevent accidents, illness and maintain proper hygiene.

The activity was co-organized by the MLGU of Tuba through its Municipal Agriculture Office and BLGU of Camp 3, Tuba, Benguet. In addition, Philex Mining Corporation's Sustainable Development Management Project sponsored the GAP seminar (SDMP) sessions. The activity was beneficial to a total of forty-one (41) farmers.

The participants are expected to submit their application for GAP certification at the OMAg Tuba for pre-assessment, provision of administrative assistance, and inspection of farms. If the farmers would attain 85% compliance, OMAg will endorse them to OPAg for further assessment. Farmers who achieve 95% compliance in OPAg assessment shall be forwarded to the National GAP team headed by BPI for final inspection.