NEGROS OCCIDENTAL — Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson announced on Tuesday that the provincial government will make an emergency purchase of insecticides to combat a significant infestation of fall armyworms affecting sugarcane and corn fields across seven local government units in Negros Occidental.
According to Philippines News Agency, the move comes after reports from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist highlighted the extent of the damage, with the affected areas including Himamaylan City, Kabankalan City, Isabela, Moises Padilla, La Castellana, Binalbagan, and Ilog. These localities, located in the central and southern parts of the province, have seen crop damage across 296 hectares, impacting approximately 381 farmers in 17 barangays as of June 21. "So far, we have provided pesticides and are now initiating an emergency purchase of more insecticides," Lacson explained. He also noted that coordination with the Sugar Regulatory Administration for drone spraying is underway.
The governor expressed a commitment to additional support measures, including providing labor for spraying efforts, in hopes of mitigating the situation promptly. "We hope that we can remedy the situation soon," he stated, though he noted that a comprehensive report on the value of the damaged crops was not yet available.
The Department of Agriculture describes armyworms as destructive pests known for their army-like movement through agricultural fields, typically consuming turf grass but capable of eating virtually any vegetation in their path. Studies suggest that conditions such as prolonged drought followed by heavy rains are conducive to the development of armyworm populations.