The Department of Agriculture (DA) has stopped the distribution and use of 11,353 bags of fertilizer in Oriental and Occidental Mindoro after regulators found violations of product registration rules.
The order was issued through the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), which discovered that the fertilizer was delivered in sacks showing an expired Certificate of Product Registration. The supplier, Agri-Victorious Trading Corp., had won a government contract to provide fertilizer under a DA support program in Mindoro.
Laboratory tests conducted after the issue surfaced showed that the fertilizer met required nutrient content and performance standards. However, the DA stressed that valid registration is mandatory, regardless of product quality.
The FPA placed the inventoried stocks under a Stop Use, Move and Sale (SUMS) order, effectively freezing them while the investigation continues. The figure covers only stocks still under government monitoring and does not include fertilizer already distributed to farmers before the expired registration was detected.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said compliance with registration rules is non-negotiable, emphasizing that farmers must receive inputs that are properly registered and approved.
FPA executive director Glenn Estrada said the agency has issued a show cause order and notices of violation to the supplier. The company has been directed to explain possible lapses in compliance as regulators determine appropriate legal action, which may include sanctions or blacklisting.
DA Mimaropa regional executive director Christopher Bañas said government funds have not been released for the questioned delivery, citing safeguards in procurement contracts. Local government units have been instructed to secure remaining stocks and coordinate with the DA while the probe continues.
The incident highlights strict enforcement of fertilizer registration rules under government procurement programs. Even if products pass quality tests, failure to maintain valid registration can result in halted distribution, possible penalties, and suspension from future government contracts.
The case also underscores built-in payment safeguards meant to protect public funds and ensure compliance before suppliers are paid. Further directives are expected once the investigation is completed.
