By Kenneth Marcos 
In offices, farms, and small businesses across the country, stakeholders are being asked to pause and read a proposed law that could affect how fertilizers and pesticides are regulated in the Philippines. For many farmers and agri-based groups, these rules can shape costs, harvests, and even daily work on the field.
The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) has formally called on stakeholders to review and comment on House Bill No. 6964, which is currently pending before the House Committee on Agriculture and Food. The agency said the move is part of its commitment to inclusive and transparent policymaking, especially on laws that may affect agriculture and food production.
In a public notice, the FPA urged stakeholders to carefully study the full text of the proposed measure. These include farmers’ groups, agribusinesses, cooperatives, manufacturers, traders, researchers, and other organizations involved in the use, sale, or regulation of fertilizers and pesticides.
The agency specifically asked stakeholders to identify provisions in the bill that may have a significant impact on their sector. This includes both positive and negative effects, such as possible changes in regulation, compliance requirements, costs, or access to agricultural inputs. Stakeholders are also encouraged to submit a position paper detailing their comments, concerns, or suggested amendments.
According to the FPA, feedback must be submitted within five days from the posting of the notice. Comments and position papers may be sent through the agency’s official email address to ensure proper documentation and review.
While details of House Bill No. 6964 were not outlined in the notice, the FPA emphasized that proposed legislation involving fertilizers and pesticides can have wide-reaching effects. These products play a critical role in crop productivity, pest control, and food security, but they also raise concerns about safety, environmental protection, and proper use.
Agriculture experts note that laws governing farm inputs often balance two major goals: helping farmers increase yields and income, while protecting public health and the environment. This makes stakeholder participation important, as policies crafted without on-the-ground input may lead to unintended problems for small farmers and rural communities.
The Philippines’ agriculture sector employs millions of Filipinos, many of whom belong to low-income households. Changes in fertilizer and pesticide rules can affect production costs, farm-gate prices, and ultimately the price of food in markets. For this reason, the FPA said it values feedback from those who will be directly affected by the law.
The FPA also reminded stakeholders that participation in the legislative process is a shared responsibility. By submitting comments and position papers, groups can help lawmakers better understand real conditions in the field and improve the quality of the proposed measure.
The House Committee on Agriculture and Food is expected to consider stakeholder inputs as part of its review of House Bill No. 6964. The committee may use these views to refine the bill before it moves forward in the legislative process.
As discussions on agriculture policy continue, the FPA’s call serves as a reminder that laws shaping food production should be informed by those who work closest to the land. Active engagement today may help ensure that future regulations are fair, practical, and supportive of both farmers and consumers.
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