November 21, 2025 | Cebu City – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) conducted a three-day inspection and monitoring mission from November 17 to 19, 2025 across key fertilizer manufacturing plants, warehouses, and handlers in Regions VI and VII, specifically in Iloilo and Cebu, to reinforce compliance with regulatory standards and strengthen industry accountability.

Led by OIC-Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer Gerardo T. Santiago, the FPA team composed of personnel from the Fertilizer Regulations Division (FRD), the Field Operations Coordination Unit (FOCU), and the Regional Field Units (RFUs) VI and VII carried out on-site assessments of production operations, facility management practices, and distribution protocols used by fertilizer companies in the region.

“Our goal is to ensure that every fertilizer product reaching farmers is handled, stored, and produced according to the highest safety and quality standards,” Deputy Director Santiago said. “These inspections are part of our continuing commitment to protect the agricultural sector through strict yet fair regulatory oversight.”

Ensuring compliance and improving operations

The mission resulted in detailed assessments of fertilizer production processes, encompassing crushing, mixing, granulation, drying, screening, and bagging. Inspectors also verified the accuracy of fertilizer packaging through random weighing of 50-kilogram bags. Results showed weights ranging from 50.50 to 50.90 kilograms, well within acceptable regulatory limits and consistent with FPA standards.

The FPA team documented operational concerns that may affect fertilizer quality and warehouse safety. These included the lack of pallets that exposed products to moisture, congested warehouse layouts that limited airflow, and inconsistent re-weighing practices in some manufacturing lines. 

Director Santiago stressed that addressing these concerns is essential to maintaining high-quality agricultural inputs. “When we detect gaps early, we prevent bigger problems that could compromise fertilizer quality and ultimately impact farmers’ productivity,” he explained.

In addition, the FPA conducted on-site technical guidance sessions to ensure that warehouse workers, plant supervisors, and handlers understand regulatory requirements and proper fertilizer management procedures. The team also met with Visayan Agricultural Innovation Incorporated (VAII) to clarify rules on fertilizer registration, licensing, and documentary compliance, all key elements in maintaining the integrity of the fertilizer supply chain in the Visayas Cluster.

Another major output of the mission was the preparation of full inspection documentation, including compliance findings, risk assessments, and operational observations. These reports will inform future enforcement actions and guide ongoing policy development for fertilizer regulation in the Philippines.

Key compliance recommendations for fertilizer manufacturers and warehouses

Based on the findings, the FPA issued a series of recommendations to improve fertilizer industry compliance. Facilities were encouraged to enhance palletization to prevent moisture exposure and to adopt stricter housekeeping measures, such as improving ventilation and decluttering congested warehouses. Manufacturers were advised to follow consistent re-weighing procedures to ensure product uniformity and accuracy. The agency also urged companies to strengthen product stewardship systems for damaged or returned goods and reminded transport handlers to follow proper loading and unloading procedures to prevent losses and product damage during distribution.

Deputy Director Santiago emphasized that fertilizer compliance is a shared responsibility among manufacturers, distributors, and handlers. “We expect companies to act on our recommendations promptly, not just to meet regulatory standards but to protect the integrity of the fertilizer supply chain and support our farmers,” he said.

Towards improved fertilizer oversight nationwide

The mission resulted in detailed inspection documentation, policy-relevant observations, and actionable recommendations for improving operations in the inspected facilities. It also strengthened collaboration between FPA regional offices and industry players, contributing to a more robust fertilizer regulatory environment.

Deputy Director Santiago concluded: “By identifying gaps early and guiding our stakeholders towards compliance, we help build a safer, more reliable, and more efficient fertilizer industry, one that supports farmers and protects the nation’s food security.”

The FPA will continue its nationwide inspection activities to ensure that fertilizer manufacturers, distributors, and handlers adhere to regulatory standards designed to protect both consumers and the environment.

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Writer: Ivan P. Lagay – Planning Officer IV

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Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team