• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Armyworm infestations have already affected 11 local government units in Negros Occidental, with the value of the damage to corn farms pegged by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) at P38,074,800.16, as of July 31.
Dina Genzola, OPA officer-in-charge, in her report to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, disclosed that infestations hit 77 barangays of La Castellana, Isabela, Binalbagan, Bago City, Don Salvador Benedicto, San Carlos City, Ilog, Sipalay City, Calatrava, Moises Padilla, and Murcia.
It damaged 2,504.60 hectares of corn farms, affecting 3,961 farmers, with San Carlos City reporting the greatest value of damage at P9,465,575.
Lacson yesterday admitted that it remains a challenge for them to eliminate the Armyworm infestations, noting they have food to eat, and “the weather is helping actually to produce grass, and everything.”
He said they are now awaiting the delivery of pesticides worth P3 million, to address the Armyworm infestations.
On Monday, Negros Occidental 5th district Representative Emilio Bernardino Yulo disclosed that the infestation is now minimal in his district, which he attributed to the climatic conditions.*
