Authorities ramp up crackdown on unregistered fertilizers and pesticides

Local

BEHIND the promise of greener harvests and pest-free fields, unregistered fertilizers and pesticides may be quietly endangering Central Visayas’ environment, crops, and farmers themselves.

With this, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) in Central Visayas has ramped up efforts to strictly monitor and regulate fertilizer and pesticide activities in the region.

The agency cited a rise in the number of local manufacturers, importers, dealers, and distributors handling both organic and inorganic products.

FPA Cebu Provincial Officer Sunday B. Flores reiterated the agency’s call for full compliance with registration and licensing requirements, emphasizing that all fertilizer and pesticide products must obtain a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) before they are sold or used.

“Our main job here is to regulate and ensure that those who engage in fertilizers and pesticides are registered to avoid any problems or negative effects caused by the use of these fertilizers and pesticides,” Flores said.

According to FPA Region 7 data, as of April 2025, there are 14 manufacturers, 9 importers, 4 exporters, 25 national distributors, 24 area distributors, 62 registered warehouses, 11 pest control operators, and 460 dealers operating across Cebu and Bohol.

Cebu City leads in foliar fertilizer production, while several fertilizer importers are based in Toledo City.

Foliar fertilizer refers to a type of plant fertilizer that is applied directly to the leaves of a plant, rather than to the soil.

Flores noted that the demand for fertilizers and pesticides remains strong in Cebu’s agricultural areas, particularly in vegetable farming, prompting more applications for product registration.

All products must pass a stringent vetting process, including laboratory tests to verify nutrient content and toxicological evaluations to determine their level of toxicity, such as lethal dose (LD50) and lethal concentration (LC50).

Flores cautioned that the sale or use of unregistered or substandard products can pose serious risks and may result in legal action.

Violators may face confiscation of products and penalties under Presidential Decree 1144, including fines from P5,000 to P10,000 and imprisonment of one to 20 years.

While no unregistered products have been confiscated in Central Visayas so far this year, Flores said the FPA continues to conduct regular inspections in stores, warehouses, and manufacturing sites. Samples are collected and forwarded to the FPA central office laboratory for analysis.

“If there are individuals who do not comply with the rules and regulations of the FPA, we will issue a stop-use, stop-move, and stop-sale order. So, the product cannot be sold anymore, and it will be subject to confiscation,” he said.

The FPA encouraged industry players, especially those planning to venture into the business, to seek assistance from the regional office in Cebu City to ensure compliance.

“To our manufacturers or those who are planning to import or engage in the business of fertilizer and pesticide products, make sure that you register the fertilizer and pesticide that you are selling and get a license,” Flores said.

Flores advised farmers to ensure that the fertilizers and pesticides they use are registered with FPA 7, emphasizing that proper registration guarantees product quality and effectiveness.

Earlier, during its 48th founding anniversary last May, the agency announced a push toward “Smarter Regulations, Nurturing Innovations,” with plans to digitalize licensing processes and integrate precision agriculture tools like drone-assisted application systems.

FPA has also introduced a more “developmental” regulatory approach for biofertilizers, biopesticides, and biostimulants.

This includes a streamlined, paperless application process and partnerships with private and government laboratories to speed up product evaluation and approval.

To further boost safety in the field, the Department of Science and Technology recently unveiled a prototype pesticide-application robot that aims to minimize human exposure to chemicals while ensuring accurate dosage and coverage.

The robot was showcased during FPA’s anniversary activities.(MyTVCebu)