DIPOLOG CITY | March 2, 2023 – Twenty (20) owners and storekeepers in Region IX joined the recently concluded 2-day Accreditation Safety Dispenser (ASD) training for fertilizer and pesticide in Top Plaza Hotel, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte last February 27-28, 2023.

The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Region IX, headed by Regional Officer (RO) Alex Paalisbo, introduced the FPA mandates and regulations for fertilizer and pesticides and prepared various topics for the entire course.

To enhance the participants’ understanding of fertilizer, Provincial Officer (PO) Michael Tuico discussed the soil conditions and plant growth, while PO Kim Alfuente trained them on the proper handling and storage.

The team also promoted the Balance Fertilization Strategy (BFS) to lessen the dependency on imported inorganic fertilizer amidst the price hike. This strategy uses the 4Rs in Fertilization – Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate – to enhance soil health and productivity, prevent declining soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

In addition, PO Charlie Limbag and Mark Bohol highlighted the importance of product labels and proper dispensing of pesticides to avoid dangerous implications in mishandling the products.

All exercises were designed to enable storekeepers and owners when assisting customers in the safe use of these agricultural inputs. ###