FPA XII issues NOVs to 11 erring handlers during clean-up drive operation

Written by : Joey B. Pascua and Jennie M. Basilio |  Published: 04 May 2023

SOUTH COTABATO | April 28, 2023 – Fifteen (15) establishments were monitored as the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Region 12 conducted a clean-up drive operation in different municipalities of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat on April 18-20, 2023.

The team found 11 fertilizer and pesticide (f/p) handlers without a license to operate and trained Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) personnel, which resulted in the issuance of Notice of Violations (NOVs). The violators were invited to attend the ASD training on May 17, 2023, in Tacurong City.

In addition, 46 fertilizer and 94 pesticide products were inspected to assure the farmers of safe and standard products catered in the market. These products were found to be compliant with FPA standards.

Moreover, the team distributed triple-rinse posters to all handlers in the area as part of the agency’s campaign on empty pesticide container management.

Triple rinsing is applicable for smallholder farmers who do not have mechanical rinsing equipment. It follows the following procedures: a.) empty the container of its contents into the mixing tank and drain for 30 seconds; b) rinse containers at least three times with a volume of water not less than 10% of the container’s total volume; and c) add the rinsate each time to the mixing tank.

Further, occupational health monitoring and risk appraisal assessment were conducted in one banana plantation in Lake Sebu to ensure the enforcement of policies on safety in accordance with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regulations.

This activity is spearheaded by Regional Officer Alita Bornea, together with the Provincial Officers of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani Province. It aimed to enforce safety and regulatory practices and strengthen the monitoring and inspection of F/P handlers, products, and warehouses. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team