July 3, 2026 | Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao Del Sur, BARMM – As part of its continuing efforts to strengthen regulatory compliance and promote the safe and responsible use of agricultural inputs, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) SOCCSKSARGEN successfully conducted a Clean-Up Drive (CUD) Operation and Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) Training and Refresher Program from June 22 to 26, 2026, in the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Sultan Kudarat.
Although Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur are outside the regular area of jurisdiction of the FPA SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Office, the initiative was undertaken to extend regulatory services to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The activity aimed to strengthen compliance among fertilizer and pesticide dealers, promote occupational and environmental safety, and reinforce the implementation of the ASD Program as a mandatory requirement for the issuance and renewal of FPA dealership licenses.
During the Clean-Up Drive, the team visited a total of 29 fertilizer and pesticide establishments. The operation included the validation of business licenses and product registration certificates, monitoring of 89 fertilizer products and 116 agricultural pesticide products, collection of five fertilizer samples for quality monitoring, and the provision of on-site technical assistance and regulatory guidance to dealers.
Inspection results showed that 22 establishments complied with FPA regulatory and safety requirements. However, seven establishments were found operating without valid FPA licenses and without a duly trained ASD, while another seven were cited for improper storage practices, including the presence of opened and expired fertilizer products. Consequently, Notices of Violation (NOVs) were issued, directing the concerned establishments to secure the appropriate licenses, improve product handling and storage practices, and participate in succeeding ASD training programs to achieve compliance with FPA regulations.
To complement the enforcement activities, the FPA conducted an ASD Training and Refresher Program on June 25–26, 2026, in Nuro Upi, Maguindanao del Norte. The training was attended by 20 participants from BARMM and neighboring provinces. Participants were equipped with updated knowledge on FPA mandates and regulatory requirements, pesticide safety, pesticide poisoning management and first aid, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), fertilizer management, and the proper handling, storage, and transport of agricultural chemicals.
The five-day activity was spearheaded by Supervising Agriculturist Maricel P. Tabigue, together with Agriculturists Cherubin M. Alonzo, Joey B. Pascua, Kimberly Gem A. Apostol, and Vonbeth S. Seguiza, and Monaliza A. Adanza.
Through initiatives such as the CUD operations and ASD training, the FPA continues to strengthen regulatory enforcement while enhancing the capacity of agricultural input dealers to comply with national standards.
The FPA likewise reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), Local Government Units (LGUs), and other stakeholders in advancing the safe, effective, and responsible use of fertilizers and pesticides, thereby safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, and supporting sustainable agricultural productivity.
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Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team
Writer: Joey B. Pascua- Agriculturist II