Western Visayas handlers strengthen coordination with FPA, form handlers association

Written by Rogelio Crespo, Provincial Officer of Antique  l  Published: 26 May 2022

ILOILO CITY | May 25, 2022 – Thirty-seven (37) representatives of the fertilizer and pesticide industry in Western Visayas created an association to coordinate with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) on May 20, 2022 at Manduriao, Iloilo City, Iloilo.

The association would be supporting and expanding on FPA’s programs on farmers’ training, disposal of empty pesticide containers, recognition of compliant dealers and distributors, and promote mutual respect and harmonious relationship with other businesses.

The officers of the association would be:

• President - Ricky Sazon of Leads Agri
• Vice President - Arvin Pelegrino of FMC Agro
• Secretary - Kevin A. Lindres of FMC Agro
• Treasurer - Frankniel E. Billones of Bayer CropScience
• Auditor - Angelo Alpasan of TagChem
• Information Officers - Mr. Renato Tabanag of Atlas Fertilizer Corp. and Mr. Rey Anthony Oloroso of Syngenta Phils.

FPA Western Visayas also shared the agencies policies, plans and programs. Provincial Officer Francis Felimon Villamon outlined the agency's primary functions. In addition, he presented the FPA website to the attendees.

Regional Officer Noel Negre highlighted PD 1144, field unit mandates, and current issues. Further, he described FPA's participation in the execution of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy Program and OneDA's program intervention to address the rising cost of fertilizer.

Provincial Officer Ryan Gelladula gave a presentation on the contents of the Bluebook. He stressed the correct procedures for product registration, labeling requirements, third-party authorization, fertilizer movement, supply and quality product standards, and data.

Provincial Officer Raymond Alfor introduced the Greenbook and focused on product registration, the purpose of registration, data requirements for registration, grounds for denial of registration, the obligation of registrants and labeling requirements, product stewardship and responsible care, policy guidelines on product stewardship and disposal of pesticide waste, post-registration activities, and compliance in monitoring stewardship.

Relative to issued FPA’s Memorandum Circulars (MC), Provincial Officer Emmanuel Barrida discussed MC No.16 series of 2022, MC No.1 series of 2020, MC No.17 series of 2018, MC Nos. 11, 12 & 13 series of 2017, and MC No.5 series of 2008.

With the members of the association better-equipped with FPA’s policies, plans and programs, the association is expected to coordinate better with the agency and manifest its agreement.  ###