SULTAN KUDARAT | March 24, 2022 – The FPA SOCCSKSARGEN headed by Regional Officer (RO) Alita C. Bornea together with the Provincial Officers (POs’) Cherubin M. Alonzo, Jennie M. Basilio, Maricel P. Tabigue, and Joey B. Pascua conducted the clean-up drive to ensure that fertilizer and pesticide handlers comply with FPA rules and regulations on March 15-17, 2022. A clean-up drive operation is to strengthen the monitoring and inspection of handlers, products and warehouses, and enforcement of regulatory practices.

Twelve establishments out of 25 were found selling without a license, selling under expired license, selling with no Accredited Safety Dispensers (ASD), and selling repacked fertilizers without a license during the cleanup-drive operation in the municipalities of Kalamansig, Lebak, Isulan, and Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat, and Upi, Maguindanao. The erring handlers were immediately issued notice of violations (NoVs) and directed them to attend the ASD training in April 2022.

Meanwhile, 133 fertilizer and pesticide products were inspected. One hundred fifteen were found compliant with the FPA standards and 18 were found expired. FPA RFU XII will coordinate with FRD and PRD for registration confirmation and proper labeling of products.

In addition, RO Bornea encouraged handlers to assist their farmer-clients in practicing Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) to lessen the burden of increasing fertilizer prices. BFS refers to the application of plant nutrients in optimum quantities in the right proportion through the appropriate methods at the time suited for a specific crop and agro-climatic condition (DA-MC No. 20, S. 2020). This strategy will lessen dependency to imported fertilizer and maintains soil health. ###

Sources:

Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority. (2022).  Operations Manual.

Department of Agriculture. (2020). Memorandum Circular No. 20 series of 2020. Adoption of the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Management for Enhanced Crop Production and increased income for Rice Farmers.