The Negros Occidental Office of the Provincial Agriculturist is currently validating reports of grain bug infestations in Pontevedra and La Carlota City. According to Provincial Agriculturist, Atty. Japhet Masculino, agricultural offices from both municipalities claimed portions of local rice farms are affected.

Following attacks that occured last year, Masculino referring to grain bugs as “new and emerging pests.”

In November, the bugs attacked rice fields in Sipalay City, which cost around P8.3 million worth of damages to local plantations. Meanwhile, earlier that year, in August, Sipalay City and Hinoba-an also reported the presence of grain bugs.

The pest reportedly damaged a 25-hectare rice field in Sipalay City and a half-hectare field in Hinoba-an.

At the time, the infestation came shortly after reported attacks in La Carlota City and Candoni by black bugs, another pest that feeds on rice plantations./PLL, WDJ