Pull out of off-spec fertilizers continues in North and South Cotabato

Written by : Joey B. Pascua, Agriculturist II  |  Published: 10 October 2022

SOCCSKSARGEN | October 5, 2022 – FPA Field Officers conducted a series of pull-out activities in the Province of South Cotabato and North Cotabato on September 28, 2022, and October 5, 2022, under the recent FPA Memorandum issued on August 25, 2022.

A total of 278 50-kg bags, including 200 bags of Turbo Prime 14-14-14; 36 bags of Turbo Prime Multi Elements; and 42 bags of Turbo Prime 16-20-0, were pulled out from 6-licensed dealers in the province of South Cotabato on September 28, 2022.

In addition, field officers pulled out another 157 50-kg bags of Turbo Prime 14-14-14 and 23 50-kg bags of Turbo Prime Multi Elements from 7-licensed dealers in the province of North Cotabato last October 5, 2022.

The said fertilizer products received Stop Use, Move, Sale (SUMS) Hold Order since they failed to meet the required guaranteed analysis based on the results of the recent laboratory analyses conducted by the FPA Laboratory Service Division (LSD). Therefore, it violated Presidential Decree No. 1144 and would result in the suspension of their License to Operate (LTOs) and Certificate of Product Registrations (CPRs).

Through the company’s representative, pulled-out fertilizers would be delivered and stored temporarily in the Northern Prime Trading Warehouse located in Panabo, Davao City, while waiting for the company’s advice regarding the final disposal of the off-spec products.

The FPA Central Office has recommended actions for the company to comply within the prescribed time. Moreover, field officers reminded them not to violate any provisions of P.D 1144 again; otherwise, there would be heavier penalties and sanctions.

From August to September 2022, 496 50-kg bags of Turbo Prime were pulled out of the 939 50-kg bags withheld by the Field Officers in the region. The schedule of pull-out activities in Sarangani, GenSan, and Sultan Kudarat is not yet set by the company.

FPA Regional Officer Alita C. Bornea supervised the activities, along with Provincial Officers Jennie M. Basilio and Maricel P. Tabigue. ###

 Reference: FPA Memorandum: List of Companies with outstanding suspension orders. August 25, 2022.