Aggie-NorMin soils lab champions best practices in DA-IAS fertilizer regulation policy review

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao Field Office (Aggie-NorMin) Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL) recently hosted representatives from the Department of Agriculture – Internal Audit Service (DA-IAS) as part of its review of the implementation of Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) regulatory functions in Region 10.

Conducted on July 23, the activity primarily assessed FPA Region 10’s systems and practices in the conduct of licensing and monitoring of fertilizer warehouses. As part of the review, the DA-IAS also visited the Aggie-NorMin RSL to document its laboratory systems, technical procedures, and quality assurance practices in fertilizer quality testing.

Being the only DA RSL recognized by the FPA to conduct fertilizer quality testing, the Aggie-NorMin RSL provided valuable insights on laboratory operations and technical processes that may serve as references in strengthening national fertilizer regulatory policies and harmonizing DA laboratory practices across the country.

Aggie-NorMin OIC-Regional Technical Director for Operations Dr. Viralou L. Tuquib, expressed her confidence in the Aggie-NorMin RSL, citing its distinction not only as an FPA-recognized laboratory but also as a laboratory operating under the internationally recognized ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard for fertilizer analysis.

She emphasized that these recognitions reflect the laboratory’s technical competence and commitment to delivering reliable and credible analytical results in support of the country’s fertilizer regulatory program.

The activity highlights the DA’s commitment to evidence-based policy development, strengthened regulatory systems, while ensuring quality fertilizer reaches Filipino farmers through science-based and transparent regulatory mechanisms. # (NQA with reports from Aggie-NorMin RSL)