TABINA, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR | August 22, 2022 – FPA RFU IX discussed the current fertilizer situation in the country and promoted the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) during the Agri-Fishery week held last August 8-12, 2022, at Tabina, Zamboanga Del Sur.

Regional Officer (RO) Alex Paalisbo led the presentation regarding the increasing fertilizer prices. In his discussion, he emphasized that the global crisis is due to the rising prices of fuel, the Ukraine-Russian conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, most fertilizer exporting countries prioritize their local distribution over exportation.

It is worth noting that the country has been for a long-time a net importer of fertilizers. About 90% of the country’s needs for fertilizer are mostly imported from China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In addition, some are being imported from Qatar, Canada, Korea, and the Middle East, while local production accounts for only 10% of the country’s fertilizer supply.

To address the issue, the Department of Agriculture promoted the BFS. BFS is a program that

includes the FPA and other DA agencies involved in farming. The idea of the program is to institutionalize the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and other forms of strategies (i.e., green manuring or cover cropping, individual farm soil fertility maps, diversifying and improving cropping system, etc.) to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while maintaining soil

structure and fertility.

The said strategy applies the 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent the decline in soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

Additionally, the team discussed the safe and judicious use of pesticides and taught the participants how to properly use the pesticides to prevent contamination and poisoning.

The Agri-Fishery week was spearheaded by the Municipal Government of Tabina, Zamboanga Del Sur, Mayor Anthony Dayondon, through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist, Mr. Joy Patian. A total of 200 farmers from different barangays attended the said event. ###