NABUNTURAN, DAVAO DE ORO | September 27, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority Regional Field Unit (FPA RFU) XI joined the front seat of Farmers and Fisherfolk Forum to address the concerns on the alarming price rise in fertilizer last September 23, 2022, at the Provincial Capitol Compound of Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.

Regional Officer (RO) Marrisa G. Napalit and Provincial Officer (PO) Rustom Gain Tanduyan provided updates on the ongoing fertilizer situation and explained the reasons for its rising prices. She explained that the global fertilizer crisis was due to the increasing prices of fuel, the Ukraine-Russian conflict, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, most fertilizer exporting countries prioritize their local distribution over exportation.

Regional Officer (RO) Marrisa Napalit walked them through the Presidential Decree 1144, which states the creation and the rules governing FPA and GAP. GAP refers “to the practices that address environmental, economic and social sustainability for on-farm processes, and which result in safe and quality food and nonfood agricultural products” (Republic Act No. 10611).

To help the farmers, RO Napalit introduced the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) program as an alternative way to lessen the dependency on commonly used chemical fertilizers and give enough balanced nutrients for plant growth.

BFS is a program recommended by FPA and other DA agencies that applies the 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent declining soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

“We are encouraging our partners, especially from the municipal sectors, to spread the BFS program to the farmers in their area. We are always ready to assist anyone willing to learn and apply BFS”, Ms. Napalit said.

FPA then distributed info materials such as Gabay sa Tamang Paggamit ng Abono at Pestisidyo, handouts regarding the price increase and BFS, and other FAQs brochures. ###