Dr. Mula discusses fertilizer updates to handlers during his visit in Pangasinan and La Union

Written by Noel Tablada  |  Published: 14 September 2022

PANGASINAN and LA UNION | September 14, 2022 – Dr. Myer G. Mula, Officer-in-Charge of the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, discussed the present scenario of the fertilizer industry to the fertilizer distributors and importers in his visit to Pangasinan and San Fernando City, La Union on September 8-9, 2022.

Dr. Mula had a courtesy call with the Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan, CESO IV, to discuss possible collaboration for the different programs and projects of the Department of Agriculture that will benefit the farmers. 

During his visit, he explained the reasons behind the increasing prices of fertilizer, including rising fuel costs, the Ukraine-Russian conflict, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the prioritization of local distribution over importation by most fertilizer exporting countries.

“The country has been for a long-time a net importer of fertilizers. About 90% of the country’s needs for fertilizer are mostly imported from China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In addition, some are being imported from Qatar, Canada, Korea, and the Middle East, while local production accounts for only 10% of the country’s fertilizer supply,” Dr. Mula explained.

Aside from the increasing prices of fertilizers, he also shared the current fertilizer prices and the possibility of the government-to-government procurement of fertilizers through the National Rice Program (NRP). Further, he requested the FPA RFU I to regularly submit the weekly price monitoring and inventory at the online fertilizer watch system for public information and other legal purposes.

He also discussed the status of the locally blended fertilizers and how the FPA addressed the issue. Additionally, he reiterated that the companies violating PD 1144 should comply with all the requirements and coordinate with the FPA to resolve these issues.

Moreover, he emphasized that the batch number and source of origin should be properly printed on the sacks for better monitoring.

Dr. Mula also inspected the records of fertilizers and pesticides sold, distributed, and stored in the company’s warehouse. He ensured that the company was compliant with the good housekeeping practices implemented by the Agency and the proper disposal of damaged and expired fertilizers. ###