4th wave of ASD program trains 54 new safety dispensers

Written by Rustom Gain Tanduyan  |  Published: 20 September 2022

DAVAO CITY | September 14, 2022 – Fifty-four (54) participants from different provinces in Davao Region and outside Region XI attended the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) on September 14 at Roadway Inn, J.P. Laurel Ave., Bajada, Davao City.

Regional Officer (RO) Marrisa G. Napalit gave an overview of the ASD training. While Deputy Executive Director for Pesticide, Mr. Eric C. Divinagracia, graced the program with a short inspirational message for the participants.

The team also discussed the Agency’s mandates and its enforcement regulations on processes, violations, proper handling, packaging, and storage of fertilizers. Soil, fertilizer, plant growth, and management in case of pesticide poisoning were also discussed.

In addition, Syngenta Product Stewardship Manager Ms. Catherine Sumagaysay explained the topics on safe handling of pesticides and the other technical aspects such as Mode of Action (MOA) Classification, Insecticide Resistance Action Committees (IRAC), and Fungicide Resistance Action Committees (FRAC).

ASD training is one of the requirements for the License to Operate (LTO) as a dealer. It refers to an individual who attended the training conducted by FPA and passed the examinations administered by the Regional Field Units (RFUs). They must be present at the store during business hours to properly dispense fertilizer and pesticide products to farmers and supervise, advise, and assist buyers on the safe handling and storage of agricultural inputs.

The FPA team was headed by FPA Deputy Executive Director for Pesticide Mr. Eric C. Divinagracia and RO Marrisa G. Napalit, together with POs Ms. Cheery B. Agrade. Mr. Rustom Gain Tanduyan, Mr. Louie Palarao, and Ms. Junette A. Cano. ###