Philphos backs DA program

The Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Corp. (Philphos), the largest phosphatic fertilizer plant in Southeast Asia, has committed to support the Department of Agriculture (DA)’s integrated farm support program (IFSP) which aims to make the country self-sufficient in rice by the year 2003 and possibly an exporter by 2004.

Philphos will work closely with the DA line agencies National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Philrice, Quedancor and Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) on the project which will be pilot-launched in Bohol, Bukidnon, Leyte, Davao del Sur and North Cotabato in October.

The first stage of the IFSP will cover 250,000 hectares or irrigated farmland and the last stage another 250,000 hectares.

Under the project, Philphos will extend monetary and logistical support including free extension services to farmers, manpower, soil laboratory and product development amounting to P160 million. The company will also spend P50 million for annual technology transfer.

Philphos will also provide affordable special fertilizer grades to farmers on credit to the farmers through the NIA Irrigators Association payable after harvest time.

Philphos’ contributions to the IFSP will be complemented by the NIA which will provide continuous water supply to the farmlands; Philrice will provide high-yielding seed varieties; Quedancor will guarantee the funds that will be lent by Philphos to the farmers; and PCIC will grant crop insurance against calamities.

Philphos is the only private participant in the project but its chairman, Jose Ch. Alvarez, hopes that other fertilizer companies will also support the IFSP.