The Department of Agriculture has escalated its crackdown on alleged illegal fertilizer manufacturing in Mindanao, issuing a formal Show Cause Order that could pave the way for stiff administrative and criminal penalties.
Through the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), the DA’s regulatory arm, authorities ordered DQB Green Agricultural Products Trading in Makilala, North Cotabato to explain why it should not be sanctioned for violations of Presidential Decree No. 1144, the law that created the FPA, and Memorandum Circular No. 23, Series of 2022, suspends the registration and licensing of handlers using the “Spinning Palanggana” method for fertilizer production.
The Show Cause Order stemmed from a surprise inspection by the FPA on February 20, triggered by an anonymous complaint alleging illegal fertilizer production. Inspectors confirmed that the establishment, registered under Ms. Quiara Fabian Batirina, was manufacturing and rebagging fertilizer products without a valid License to Operate (LTO).
Authorities immediately issued a Stop Use, Move, and Sale (SUMS) Order covering 1,352 bags of fertilizer found at the Makilala facility, effectively halting their distribution and sale.
The products included Takada 14-14-14, a formulation registered under Valap Inc. Records showed that Valap’s LTO as manufacturer and national distributor had expired in January 2026, while DQB itself holds no valid LTO for the production site.
The FPA said the manufacturing equipment used failed to meet regulatory standards and that the operation employed the banned “spinning palanggana” method, a process suspended due to repeated laboratory failures and off-specification nutrient content.
Under Section 8(a) of PD 1144, no entity may manufacture fertilizer in commercial quantities without first securing an LTO. Section 9 further requires that fertilizers be registered and handled only by duly authorized license holders. Violations may lead to fines, imprisonment, and administrative sanctions after due proceedings.
Laboratory tests conducted by the FPA and the Regional Soils Laboratory confirmed compliance issues with the Takada 14-14-14 stocks. Of the inventory linked to the case, 13,678 bags remain in storage in Taguibo, Butuan City, while the rest have already been distributed to farmer-beneficiaries.
Local authorities, including the Municipal Agriculturist’s Office and Barangay Saguing officials, assisted in the inspection. The FPA also flagged DQB’s participation in government bidding activities despite regulatory lapses.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the enforcement action underscores the agency’s commitment to protecting farmers and safeguarding the food supply chain.
FPA Executive Director Glenn Estrada said stopping unauthorized manufacturing and distribution upholds licensing requirements and protects the fertilizer supply. “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,” said Estrada.
DQB has been given five working days to submit a written explanation. Failure to respond, the FPA warned, will be construed as a waiver of its right to be heard, clearing the path for sanctions as regulators tighten oversight of the fertilizer trade.
