As a crucial action to address the growing concern on Onion Army Worm infestation to various onion crops in Ilocos Region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office I thru the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) and in partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry – Crop Pest Management Division (BPI-CPMD), conducted a Training on Pheromone Lure Trapping and Management Strategies for Major Onion Pests and Diseases held in Bayambang, Pangasinan on February 27, 2025.

Six selected Farmers Association in Pangasinan attended the training and were updated and guided about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and identification of major diseases of onion lectured by invited resource speakers Ms. Jade E. Sanidad and Ms. Rezie Mae Catamora of the BPI-CPMD, respectively.

Other topics discussed include the Introduction to Biological Control Agents (BCA) for OAW and Initiatives of the DA-RCPC on OAW Infestation in Region 1 by Ms. Raquel Lopez, Senior Science Research Specialist of the Regional Crop Protection Center 1; Presentation of Pest and Disease Surveillance of Onion and Presentation on Pheromone Trap Installation and Hands-on Demonstration by Ms. Merabil Corpuz, BPI-CPMD; HVCDP Support and Programs by Mr. David John Rondal; and Philippine Good Agricultural Practices for Crops also lectured by Mr. Jeson T. Macaraeg from the DA-RFO1 Regulatory Division.

The training aims to prevent serious damage from armyworm, which requires early detection for proper control and management. Training and awareness campaigns on onion armyworm identification, lifecycle understanding, and integrated pest management (IPM) techniques are crucial in monitoring insect infestations and giving farmers the resources they need for sustainable pest control on their farms.