The Negros Occidental Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) reported P10.8 million worth of damage to corn crops due to armyworm infestations.

A total of 1,117 farmers and 753.38 hectares of corn fields in 38 barangays were affected by the infestation from June 1 to July 1, the OPA said.

Himamaylan City recorded P3.1 million in damage, with 295 farmers affected.

A total of 177.36 hectares in the city’s Barangays 3, Poblacion, Buenavista, Carabalan, Caradio-an, Libacao, Mahalang, Mambagaton, San Antonio, and Talaban were infested by armyworms.

Moises Padilla town logged P2.4 million worth of damage, affecting 201 farmers.

Losses due to infestations were also reported in La Castellana town, with P1.6 million in damages; Isabela town (P1.6 million), Murcia town (P1.5 million) and Hinoba-an town (P439,485).

Meanwhile, OPA launched a thorough study to ensure the safety of chemicals being considered for use to combat the armyworm infestation.

The move comes after OPA received the results of a collaborative study of the provincial government, University of the Philippines-Los Baños, the National Crop Protection Center, and other partner agencies, which recommended certain chemicals for use against armyworms.

OPA head Dina Genzola said they are consolidating reports and findings to assess the effectiveness of insecticides to combat the infestation.

However, she emphasized that the agency is prioritizing the safety of affected farmers and the environment by thoroughly checking the safety of the chemicals being proposed for use.

The armyworm infestation has been causing significant damage to crops, particularly corn and sugarcane.

It poses threats to food security in the province, prompting the farmers to seek alternative methods to control the pests./WDJ