CEBU CITY — Amid promises of better yields and pest-free farms, the unchecked use of unregistered fertilizers and pesticides could be putting Central Visayas’ ecosystems, crops, and farmers at serious risk.
To address this growing concern, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority in Central Visayas (FPA-7) has intensified its crackdown on unregulated activities across the region’s agriculture supply chain.
According to the FPA, more manufacturers, importers, dealers, and distributo rs, both of organic and inorganic products, are operating in the region, prompting the agency to tighten its oversight.
FPA Cebu Provincial Officer Sunday Flores said that all fertilizer and pesticide products must secure a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) before being distributed or used, underscoring the importance of compliance with regulatory standards.
“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.
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As of April 2025, FPA-7 has recorded a growing number of industry players in Cebu and Bohol. This includes 14 manufacturers, 9 importers, 4 exporters, 25 national distributors, 24 area distributors, 62 registered warehouses, 11 pest control operators, and 460 dealers.
Cebu City currently leads in foliar fertilizer production while Toledo City hosts several key fertilizer importers.
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Foliar fertilizer is a type of plant nutrient applied directly to leaves instead of soil to boost plant health and productivity.
Flores said the demand for fertilizers and pesticides remains high in Cebu’s agricultural zones, especially in vegetable farms, driving more applications for product registration.
Before approval, all products must undergo rigorous testing, including laboratory analyses to verify their nutrient composition and toxicological assessments such as lethal dose (LD50) and lethal concentration (LC50) evaluations.
Flores warned that selling or using unregistered or substandard agricultural products can lead to serious health and environmental hazards, as well as legal consequences.
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Offenders may face confiscation, fines ranging from P5,000 to P10,000, and imprisonment from one to 20 years under Presidential Decree 1144.
So far this year, no unregistered fertilizers or pesticides have been seized in Central Visayas.
However, the FPA continues to carry out routine inspections in stores, warehouses, and manufacturing sites, collecting samples for laboratory analysis at its central office.
“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.
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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.
