FPA@46: Underscoring food security and environmental sustainability in regulations
Written by : Ivan P. Layag | Published: 02 May 2023
The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority celebrated its 46th anniversary on May 30, 2023, with the theme: ‘Effective and efficient regulation of agricultural chemicals for food security and environmental protection amid global crises.’
Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban served as guest speaker as he highlighted the Marcos Administration’s commitment to fulfilling every Filipino's inherent right to adequate food.
He said that in order to turn this policy into reality, DA’s first order of business was to provide relief for the many millions of farmers who were confronted with record-high costs of production.
“The FPA joined the DA and other agencies in tackling this issue, and together we made progress. The DA distributed 7.7 million kilograms of fertilizer last year, along with 2,500 gallons of pesticides and a billion pesos in fertilizer discount vouchers," he added.
Meanwhile, OIC Executive Director Julieta Lansangan recognized the unwavering commitment and dedication of FPA employees in performing the agency’s regulatory mandate. She also recognized the great contributions of FPA partners from the industry, academe, civil society, and other government agencies, particularly the DA.
“Despite being a small institution, we should not underestimate FPA’s role in shaping the agricultural landscape of our nation. We must see the bigger picture of our issuance of regulatory documents such as licenses, registrations, and permits towards the realization of increasing farm productivity, ensuring food security, and increasing farmer’s incomes in our country,” she said.
She further emphasized the agency’s role in advocating environmental sustainability by being conscious of the environmental impacts and long-term effects of every actions that every individual take.
Representatives from the industry expressed their warm congratulations and continuous support for FPA. They are the Fertilizer Industry Association of the Philippines (FIAP), Crop Protection Association of the Philippines (CPAP), the Philippine Association of Certified Pesticide Applicators (PACPA), PMCP Foundation Inc. (PMCPFI), the Philippine Association of Entomologists, Inc. (PAE), the Philippine Association of Professional Fumigators, Inc. (PAPFI), and the Kapisanan ng mga Pest Control Operators sa Pilipinas, Inc. (KAPESCOPI).
The FPA was created by virtue of Presidential Decree 1144 signed by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on May 30, 1977. ###
Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team
