By JEN BAYLON

The damage due to armyworm infestations to corn crops in Negros Occidental has reached P50,238,465.21, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist reported.

The infestation has affected 3,377.61 hectares and 5,256 farmers across the province, data as of August 12 showed.

San Carlos City has been the hardest-hit by the infestation, with damage amounting to P9,465,575, impacting 663.38 hectares.

It was followed by Calatrava town with P9,172,912 in damages, and Moises Padilla town with P6,648,066 in losses.

Other affected local government units include the cities of Himamaylan, Sipalay, Sagay, Bago, Cadiz, and Kabankalan, as well as the municipalities of Hinoba-an, Isabela, La Castellana, Murcia, Ilog, Don Salvador Benedicto, Cauayan, Hinigaran, and Toboso.

Authorities are continuing efforts to control the spread of armyworms and improve the situation of farmers in affected local government units./JB, WDJ