More than 150 rice farmers from Pili and Naga City, along with students from Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), participated in the Information Caravan on the Safe and Judicious Use of Fertilizers and Pesticides for Drone Application conducted by the University, in collaboration with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Region V on September 10, 2026, at the Alvaro Rabing Hall, CBSUA Pili.
The activity focused on strengthening participants’ knowledge of drone technology and promoting its safe, appropriate use in agricultural operations, particularly for applying fertilizers and pesticides.
Carrying the theme, “Pagpapalaganap ng Makabagong Teknolohiya sa Agrikultura para sa Ligtas at Wastong Paggamit ng Abono at Pestisidyo tungo sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” the caravan featured discussions on the Drones4Rice Service Program and the Drones4Rice Project–Research Component, presented by Mr. Crescencio T. Rosero, Jr. of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office V.
FPA Region V also discussed regulations governing agricultural drone use through Engr. Christopher M. Nunez, while Mr. Rodney P. Conda discussed the safe and judicious use of pesticides. Mr. Wilmer Fabian C. Yago likewise provided an agency briefing on FPA programs, services, and regulatory concerns related to agricultural inputs and drone technology.
Actual agricultural drones from CBSUA and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office V were displayed during the activity, allowing participants to examine the equipment and learn about its use in farming.
The caravan also included an open forum, interactive learning games, and pre- and post-tests to allow participants to raise concerns, clarify information, and assess their learning from the sessions.
The activity was held in partnership with the CBSUA Digital Agriculture and Innovation Center, headed by Mr. Karlos Miguel Haber. Messages were delivered by Dr. Fortunato M. Balbis, Jr., Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Mr. Gabriel B. Atole, Regional Officer of FPA Region V; and Ms. Abigail V. Guinoo, Director of the Extension Services Division.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Amelia R. Nicolas, Unit Head for Entomology of the BSA-CANR and activity proponent.
The information caravan provided farmers and students with practical information on drone technology while emphasizing safety, proper application, and compliance with regulations governing agricultural inputs. 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘋𝘳. 𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘢 𝘙. 𝘕𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘴
