Atlas Fertilizer Corporation (AFC), an active member of the Fertilizer Industry Association of the Philippines (FIAP) had Mr. Hironori Funahashi, President & CEO and Mr. Raymund P. Ilustre, Vice Chairman of the Board, join members and officers of FIAP for a courtesy visit with Hon. William D. Dar, Ph.d. He is the 45th and newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Agriculture. The visit was held last October 29, at the Landbank Plaza in Malate, Manila.
During the meeting, FIAP affirmed its commitment to serving the fertilizer requirements of the Filipino farmers, but voiced concerns about the impact of a depressed market heavily hit by the Rice Tariffication Law, and African Swine Fever. Secretary Dar discussed how he envisions Filipino farmers becoming more productive and competitive. He has now begun the DA’s Rice Program to implement a BUY 2 TAKE 2 scheme for Urea, and to promote the use of Hybrid Rice. FIAP enthusiastically pledged and confirmed support of Secretary Dar’s initiative and programs, and will soon meet with the Program Head for further details and discussions to ensure success.
The following were present:
Left to Right : MR. RAYMUND P. ILUSTRE (Vice Chairman, AFC), Nilo A. Cabrera (Bullette), Michael Ardieta (YARA / President -FIAP), Matt Maderazzo (Planters Products Inc. / Staff of SEC . DAR ), Zennie Motus (Secretariat -FIAP), HON. WILLIAM D. DAR, PH.D. (Secretary, Department of Agriculture), MR. HIRONORI FUNAHASHI (President & CEO, AFC ), Julian Uygongco (La Filipina Uygongco), Tom Guliani (PHILPHOS / Vice President, FIAP ), and Jean Gil (FEREX / Auditor FIAP)
