CAGAYAN VALLEY | February 21-23, 2023 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Region II conducted a province-wide inspection on February 21-23, 2023, to monitor the compliance of fertilizer and agricultural pesticide handlers in Cagayan.

Out of 30 establishments, 16 farm supply stores operated without a license and have not yet attended an Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training. Most owners are beneficiaries of the Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

The team educated the handlers on their committed violations and the process of applying for a license to operate (LTO). Those without ASD were strongly advised to attend the training on March 1 and 2, 2023, in Iguig, Cagayan, which is a prerequisite for securing LTO.

“In the meantime, this will serve as a warning for you. You should apply for a license and attend the training before selling,” Provincial Officer Henry Cayaban, Jr. warned one of the dealers.

Moreover, Stop Use, Move, and Sale (SUMS) orders were also issued to Solana West Farmers’ Cooperative (SOWESTFACO) in Ubong, Solana, Cagayan for selling unregistered products like ‘S Killer’ molluscicide and ‘Turbo kill’ insecticide. The said products are manufactured and formulated by Synergi Group Incorporated, which was found unlicensed handler under FPA.

The three-day inspection started from lower Cagayan, which includes the municipalities of Solana, Enrile, and Tuguegarao City, onto the municipalities of Sta. Teresita, Buguey, Camalaniugan, Lallo, Aparri, Abulug, Allacapan and Ballesteros. ###