• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Eleven local government units in Negros Occidental reported an armyworm infestations that resulted to more than P38 million damage to corn farms as of July 31, according to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
In her report to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Dina Genzola, OPA officer-in-charge, said that areas hit by infestations were 77 barangays of La Castellana, Isabela, Binalbagan, Bago City, Don Salvador Benedicto, San Carlos City, Ilog, Sipalay City, Calatrava, Moises Padilla and Murcia.
It damaged 2,504.60 hectares of corn farms, affecting 3,961 farmers, with San Carlos City reporting the highest value of damage at P9,465,575.
Lacson yesterday admitted that it remains a challenge for them on how to eliminate the armyworm infestations.
“They (armyworms) have food to eat. The weather actually helps produce grass and everything,” the governor said.
He added that the provincial government awaits the delivery of pesticides, worth P3 million, to address the armyworm infestations.
On Monday, Negros Occidental 5th district Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo said that the infestation is now minimal, especially in his district, which he attributed to the climatic conditions. | GB
