The Department of Agriculture (DA) has stepped up efforts to curb illegal fertilizer production in Mindanao, issuing a Show Cause Order against a North Cotabato-based trading firm that could face administrative and criminal sanctions.
Through the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), the agency ordered DQB Green Agricultural Products Trading in Makilala, North Cotabato to explain why it should not be penalized for violating Presidential Decree No. 1144—the law that established the FPA—and Memorandum Circular No. 23, Series of 2022. The circular suspends the registration and licensing of fertilizer handlers using the “Spinning Palanggana” production method.
The order followed a surprise inspection conducted by FPA officials on February 20 after an anonymous complaint reported suspected illegal fertilizer production at the facility. Inspectors confirmed that the company, registered under Ms. Quiara Fabian Batirina, was producing and repacking fertilizer without a valid License to Operate (LTO).
Authorities issued a Stop Use, Move, and Sale (SUMS) Order covering 1,352 fertilizer bags found at the site, effectively halting their sale and distribution.
Among the products seized was Takada 14-14-14 fertilizer, a formulation registered under Valap Inc. Records showed that Valap’s LTO as a manufacturer and national distributor expired in January 2026. Meanwhile, DQB does not hold a valid LTO for its Makilala production facility.
The FPA also reported that the equipment used at the site failed to meet regulatory standards and that the operation employed the prohibited “spinning palanggana” method. The process was previously suspended after repeated laboratory failures and findings of nutrient content falling outside required specifications.
Under Section 8(a) of PD 1144, companies are prohibited from manufacturing fertilizer commercially without first obtaining an LTO. Section 9 further requires that fertilizers be registered and handled only by authorized license holders. Violations can result in fines, imprisonment, and administrative penalties following proper proceedings.
Laboratory tests conducted by the FPA and the Regional Soils Laboratory confirmed compliance issues involving the Takada 14-14-14 stocks. Of the total inventory linked to the case, 8,023 bags remain on hold in several municipalities in Agusan del Sur, including Taguibo in Butuan City. Meanwhile, 4,855 bags had already been distributed to farmer-beneficiaries before authorities enforced the order.
The inspection was conducted with the assistance of the Municipal Agriculturist’s Office and officials from Barangay Saguing. Investigators also noted that DQB had participated in government bidding activities despite its regulatory deficiencies.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the operation highlights the department’s commitment to protecting farmers and ensuring the integrity of the food supply chain.
FPA Executive Director Glenn Estrada emphasized that halting unauthorized fertilizer production is necessary to maintain standards and protect farmers from potentially unsafe products.
“Inspections and enforcement will continue to prevent unsafe products from reaching farmers. This Show Cause Order sends a clear message that regulatory compliance is not optional, and violators will be held accountable,” Estrada said.
DQB has been given five working days to submit a written explanation. The FPA warned that failure to respond will be treated as a waiver of its right to be heard, which could allow regulators to proceed with sanctions as they tighten oversight of the fertilizer industry.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR
