Farmers called to immediately report "army worms" sightings

CEBU, Philippines - With four mountain barangays in the city infested by the so-called “army worms,” Councilor Edgardo Labella, chairman of the City Council’s committee on agriculture, is urging farmers in other upland barangays to immediately report the presence of the worms in their areas.

So far, the worms have hit teak trees, particularly the Tectona grandis in the city’s watershed area, but Labella said there is a possibility that they will also infest agricultural crops on which many residents in upland areas depend for livelihood.

There are at least 20 mountain barangays in Cebu City and most of the residents there are farmers. At present, the “army worms” have been spotted in Barangays Buhisan, Toong, Pamutan and Sapangdaku.

Labella said the outbreak, which occurs at the onset of the wet season, can be easily contained with early detection and intervention.

During the 888 News Forum at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, Department of Agriculture Regional Director Ricardo Oblena said the outbreak has been contained after chemicals were sprayed in the affected areas.

Oblena said the worms emerged because of the unpredictable rainy season after the region had a long drought.

Then again, Labella said there is no reason to be complacent. He urged farmers to immediately report the presence of the worms in their areas.

Aside from the four Cebu City barangays, the worms were also spotted in other areas in the province including the towns Sta. Fe and Madridejos in Bantayan Islands, and in Bogo City and Tabuelan where Oblena said 19 hectares of corn farms were infested by the insect.

Other areas affected by the infestation are Mabinay, Siaton, Sta. Catalina and the cities of Tanjay and Bayawan, all are in Negros Oriental. (THE FREEMAN)