October 28, 2025 | Koronadal City, South Cotabato – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Regional Office SOCCSKSARGEN conducted a four-day Clean-Up Drive Operation and Occupational Health and Safety Inspection on October 21–24, 2025, in General Santos City and Sarangani Province. The activity is part of the Agency’s continuing efforts to ensure the safe, lawful, and responsible management of fertilizers and pesticides across the region.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety
The inspection team assessed 34 establishments, including fertilizer and pesticide dealers, warehouses, and institutional users, for compliance with product registration, dealer licensing, and occupational safety standards. A total of 124 fertilizer and 154 pesticide products were also monitored for label authenticity, registration validity, and quality through random weighing and sampling.
The inspection revealed the following:
- 10 unlicensed dealers operating without FPA authorization and Accredited Safety Dispensers (ASDs);
- 1 dealer with expired and improperly stored fertilizers;
- 19 compliant dealers adhering to all licensing and safety requirements;
- 3 warehouses subjected to Risk Appraisal Assessments; and
- 2 institutional users evaluated for Occupational Health and Technical Safety practices.
Enforcement and Corrective Actions
Notices of Violation (NOVs) were issued to non-compliant establishments, directing them to address deficiencies and participate in the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training on November 12–13, 2025, in Koronadal City.
Corrective measures were also recommended, including the installation of emergency eyewash stations, improvement of chemical storage facilities, and other interventions to strengthen workplace safety and compliance.
Provincial Officer Joey B. Pascua encouraged full cooperation from stakeholders, stating that all dealers participate in the ASD training and implement the necessary corrective measures.
He emphasized FPA remains a partner in helping establishments comply and operate responsibly.
Commitment to Sustainable and Safe Agriculture
Regional Officer Maricel P. Tabigue highlighted the importance of proactive field monitoring and safety inspections in promoting a culture of compliance.
“Through proactive monitoring and safety inspections, we ensure that our dealers and users uphold standards that protect both farmers and the environment. Compliance is not just a regulatory duty—it’s a shared commitment toward sustainable agriculture,” she said.
The activity underscored the FPA’s commitment to promoting responsible agricultural input management and ensuring the welfare of farmers, consumers, and the environment. ###
Writers: Joey B. Pascua – Agriculturist II; Nikko B. Tuscano – Agriculturist I
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Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team
