By Kenneth Marcos 
In farming towns across the Philippines, many growers still worry about what goes into the fertilizers and pesticides they use. Some have unknowingly bought fake products online. Others fear the health risks of chemicals that are poorly regulated. These everyday concerns are now at the center of a new proposal in Congress.
The ABONO Party-list has filed a bill called the “Fertilizer, Pesticide and Other Agricultural Chemicals Modernization Act of 2026,” aiming to make the regulation of farm chemicals more modern, stricter, and more effective. The proposed measure seeks to protect farmers, consumers, and the environment by ensuring that only safe and properly registered products reach the market.
Under the proposal, the government will take stronger action against fake, substandard, and unregistered fertilizers and pesticides. ABONO Party-list said these products continue to spread, especially through online selling platforms, hurting farmers’ crops, income, and soil quality. In some cases, farmers spend their limited money on products that do not work or even damage their fields.
The bill also aims to strengthen the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), the main agency responsible for regulating agricultural chemicals in the country. The proposal includes expanding the FPA’s mandate and improving its scientific and technical capacity so it can better test products, monitor compliance, and respond quickly to violations.
One major feature of the proposed law is digital licensing and product traceability. This means licenses, permits, and product registrations can be processed online, reducing delays and red tape. It will also allow authorities to track agricultural chemicals from production to sale, making it easier to identify fake or illegal products in the supply chain.
Supporters of the bill said this system will benefit small farmers, who often lack the means to verify whether a product is legitimate. With clearer labels and traceable records, farmers can make more informed choices and avoid harmful chemicals.
Health and environmental protection are also key goals of the measure. Improper use of pesticides and other chemicals has been linked to health problems among farmers and farm workers, as well as contamination of water sources and soil. By tightening regulation, the bill seeks to reduce risks to human health, protect biodiversity, and ensure safer food for Filipino families.
Food safety is another major concern addressed by the proposal. Chemical residues on crops can affect consumers, especially children and the elderly. The bill aims to align chemical regulation with national food safety standards to ensure that farm produce reaching markets and dining tables is safe to eat.
The ABONO Party-list also emphasized the importance of stronger coordination among government agencies. The bill encourages closer cooperation between the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, local government units, and law enforcement agencies. This whole-of-government approach is intended to support food security, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and promote responsible farming practices.
If passed, the Modernization Act could help build a more sustainable agricultural sector. By removing fake products from the market and promoting safe, science-based regulation, the measure aims to improve farm productivity while protecting people and nature.
As debates on food prices, farm input costs, and food safety continue, the proposed law highlights a growing push to modernize agriculture rules. For farmers who rely on every harvest to support their families, stronger protection against harmful and fake chemicals could make a real difference.
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