Information drive on BFS and safe pesticide handling launch at Trinidad’s founding anniversary

Written by Andy Cornell Bornillo   |  Published: 14 September 2022

BOHOL | September 13, 2022 – FPA Region VII teamed up with the Local Government Unit (LGU) for an information drive campaign on the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) and safe pesticide handling during the 75th Founding Anniversary celebration of Trinidad, Bohol conducted last August 30, 2022, at Poblacion, Trinidad, Bohol.

As a starter, Regional Officer (RO) Arnulfo Arausa, Jr. gave an overview of the activity and stressed the advantages and importance of the BFS and the safe handling of pesticides.

In addition, Provincial Officer (PO) Sunday Flores discussed the Agency's mandates and functions, PO Jesus Muring shared insights on safe pesticide handling, and PO Andy Cornell Bornillo shared information on BFS.

BFS is a program that includes the FPA, and other DA agencies involved in farming. The idea of the program is to institutionalize the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and other forms of strategies (i.e., green manuring or cover cropping, individual farm soil fertility maps, diversifying and improving cropping system, etc.) to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while maintaining soil structure and fertility.

The said strategy applies the 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent declining soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

Moreover, Deputy Executive Director (DED) for Pesticide Eric C. Divinagracia presented the increasing fertilizer prices. In his discussion, he highlighted that the global fertilizer crisis is due to the rising prices of fuel, the Ukraine-Russian conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, most fertilizer exporting countries prioritize their local distribution over exportation.

Mr. Divinagracia also expressed his gratitude to the local government unit of Trinidad and acknowledged the hard work of the farmers who attended the celebration.

A total of 180 farmers and representatives from agricultural companies attended the said event. ###