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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider DA clears fertilizer quality after viral Ilocos Norte video sparks farmer outcry

DA clears fertilizer quality after viral Ilocos Norte video sparks farmer outcry

Published Dec 26, 2025 04:04 pm
(Manila Bulletin file photo)
(Manila Bulletin file photo)
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the reported case of “insoluble and floating” fertilizer in the province of Ilocos Norte was caused by improper application instead of a suspected product defect.
A farmer in the town of Marcos recently posted a video on social media showing fertilizer granules floating toward a rice field embankment due to strong winds.
The video prompted doubt among local farmers about the quality of fertilizers provided by the government, according to the DA.
To address concerns, the agency’s regional field office launched a validation and monitoring activity in collaboration with provincial and municipal agricultural officials to verify the situation.
Field validation confirmed that the product used by the farmer was DANAT Complete Fertilizer (14-14-14), which the government procured.
But investigators found that the farmer applied the fertilizer as a side-dress, even though it is designed for basal application.
“This improper method—combined with windy conditions—caused the granules to remain on the soil surface and be displaced, creating the impression that the fertilizer was insoluble or defective,” the DA said.
The farmer involved has been briefed on the correct application process to prevent a repeat of the issue.
The DA assured farmers that all fertilizers distributed through its programs undergo mandatory quality testing before delivery, with additional retesting and quality control conducted by laboratories and other accredited facilities.
Likewise, the agency said it will continue monitoring fertilizer use and further expand farmer briefings to ensure proper utilization and protect the credibility of government farm inputs.
The DA has been ramping up monitoring of its programs to ensure that public funding is put to good use, especially on the heels of an audit that uncovered a handful of substance farm-to-market road projects.
Earlier, it announced a comprehensive review of a specialized goat-breeding program in Pangasinan after it was flagged by state auditors for high mortality rates.
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