Pest control training offered

Dow AgroSciences, manufacturers of pest control products Dursban and Sentricon system, recently held a comprehensive training program for pest control operators (PCOs) at the ACCED Center of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM). PCOs from all parts of the country graced the event dubbed "The PCO Toolkit?", with no less than Agriculture Undersecretary and FPA (Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority) Executive Director Cesar Drilon as keynote speaker. Other resource persons who lent their support to the program were Dr. Dario C. Sabularse, FPA deputy executive director, and Didi Gonzales, president of Pest Control Services, Inc. (Pestcon).

Drilon lauded the private sector for its critical role in the development of a strong organization of pest control professionals who will instill proper values to help enlighten millions of Filipino homeowners nationwide regarding the real issues behind termiticides and how they can properly protect their homes from termite attacks. He adds that there is currently no legislation in effect that would penalize inexperienced homeowners from applying termiticides on their own. "Why, in other countries, particularly in the US, you won’t be able to sell your house or have your apartment rented if it doesn’t comply with the strict government pest control standards," he explains.

During the same program, Drilon also underscored the need for the government and various PCOs to work hand in hand in educating the people about safety precautions regarding proper use of termiticides and other pest control products. He also called on them to police their own ranks and to report to him any violation of FPA rules and regulations among their members.