ABONO Partylist, through its representative Eskimo Estrella, has filed a bill seeking to strengthen and modernize the regulation of fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural chemicals used in crop agriculture.

The proposed bill, titled “Fertilizer, Pesticide and Other Agricultural Chemicals Modernization Act of 2026,” aims to ensure that agricultural chemical products are safe, effective, of high quality, and properly managed throughout their entire lifecycle, from manufacturing and importation to sale, use, and final disposal.

Estrella said the measure seeks to address long-standing regulatory gaps by curbing the proliferation of fake, adulterated, misbranded, and unregistered agricultural chemicals, particularly those being sold through online and other digital platforms, which pose serious risks to farmers, consumers, and the environment.

The bill also aims to strengthen the mandate, technical capacity, and scientific foundation of the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority by improving laboratory testing, post-registration monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms, and by establishing a more modern, transparent, fair, and effective regulatory system.

To address emerging risks in modern trade, the proposed legislation calls for the adoption of digital licensing systems, product traceability measures, and stronger regulation of e-commerce platforms involved in the distribution of agricultural chemicals.

It further seeks to ensure the protection of human health, environmental safety, and food security in line with the standards of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Health (DOH), and internationally recognized benchmarks.

The measure also underscores the importance of stronger coordination among key government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, DENR, DOH, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Trade and Industry, and local government units, to ensure clear and efficient implementation of the law. (Eva Visperas)