Armyworms Attack Philippine Farms
Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala on Monday ordered the immediate distribution of an initial P900,000-worth of knapsack sprayers and recommended insecticides in coordination with local government officials and agriculture technicians to control the spread of “armyworms” that attack farms in Batangas, Cavite and Quezon provinces.
Alcala also dircted DA Undersecretary Joel Rudinas and Assistant Secretary Dennis Araullo to monitor the infestations.
He also instructed the DA Regional Field Units in Regions IV-A (CALABARZON) and III (Central Luzon), and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) to coordinate closely with the respective provincial and municipal governments, particularly in Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, and Quezon — where the armyworm infestations were reported.
Agriculture experts were also assigned in the infested areas to provide technical information to local government units (LGUs), farmers, and the public on how to effectively control armyworms and other pests.