Sorsogon | May 6, 2026 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Regional Field Unit (RFU) Bicol successfully conducted an Information Caravan in Bulan, Sorsogon on May 6, 2026, as part of the month-long celebration of the 49th Anniversary of the FPA. The activity aimed to strengthen awareness among farmers and agricultural stakeholders on the proper, safe, and responsible use of fertilizer and pesticide products in the region.

Around 150 participants attended the activity, including farmers, members of various farmers’ associations, representatives from the private sector, and government employees from the various barangays in the municipality. The caravan served as an avenue for stakeholders to gain updated knowledge on agricultural inputs, product regulations, and sustainable farming practices that contribute to increased productivity and environmental protection.

During the program, FPA-Bicol Regional Officer Mr. Gabriel B. Atole emphasized the importance of purchasing agricultural products only from legitimate and registered dealers to protect farmers from counterfeit and substandard products.

“Nais naming masiguro na tama ang binibili at binabayaran ng ating mga magsasaka. Sa pagtangkilik sa mga rehistradong dealer, maiiwasan ang pagkalugi at masisiguro ang kalidad ng ating mga ani,” Mr. Atole said.

A key highlight of the Information Caravan was the discussion on the proper and judicious use of agricultural chemicals. The FPA underscored that the responsible application of fertilizers and pesticides not only improves crop yield and quality but also helps safeguard the health of farmers, consumers, and the environment.

In line with the agency’s advocacy for sustainable agriculture, FPA Bicol also promoted the use of alternative agricultural inputs such as biofertilizers. These environment-friendly inputs help reduce production costs while maintaining soil health and nutrient quality, especially amid the continuing challenges posed by the global energy crisis and rising input costs.

The agency likewise reiterated its strong warning against the purchase and use of illegal, fake, adulterated, and unregistered fertilizer and pesticide products. According to the FPA, these products may cause severe damage to crops, reduce farm productivity, and pose serious risks to human health and the environment due to their unknown composition and quality. Farmers and stakeholders were encouraged to remain vigilant and to transact only with authorized and registered agricultural supply stores to help curb the proliferation of counterfeit products in the market.

The Information Caravan was conducted in coordination with the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Bulan, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Office V, and FPA Bicol.

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

Writer: FPA RFU V