October 29, 2024 | Quezon City – As part of its commitment to promoting food safety, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture – Food Safety Focal Group, held a webinar titled “Safe and Judicious Use of Pesticides” on October 28, 2024. The online event, conducted via Zoom, aimed to raise awareness of pesticide safety as a critical component of the national food safety strategy.
This year’s theme, “Pagkain Ligtas at Sapat: Kaagapay sa Maunlad at Matatag na Bagong Pilipinas,” underscores the collective action of the government to create safe, sustainable, and resilient food systems for a stronger and more prosperous nation.
In her opening remarks, FPA Director Lansagan highlighted the significance of safe and nutritious food: “The importance of having safe, healthful food on our tables cannot be overstated. It fuels our productivity and overall well-being, crucial for national progress. As one of the country’s Food Safety Regulatory Agencies (FSRAs), FPA is committed to ensuring that agricultural inputs meet safety and quality standards.”
She highlighted that FPA plays a critical role in the implementation of RA 10611 or the ‘Food Safety Act of 2013’, particularly in maintaining a farm-to-fork food safety regulatory system that ensures a high level of food safety, promotes fair trade, and advances global competitiveness of Philippine foods and food products.
The webinar featured Regional Officer Mr. Mark Nicky Larga, who presented key pesticide handling, application, and disposal practices to promote the safe and responsible use of these agricultural inputs.
Food Safety Awareness Week is celebrated every last week of October as per Presidential Proclamation No. 160, series of 1999. It recognizes “a need for continuous education on food safety to achieve the goal of eradicating food poisoning and other foodborne illness.”
80 participants from various regions attended the recently held webinar.. ###
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Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team
