“We cannot do it alone. Nandito kayo to cooperate and coordinate. When you go back to your regions, you apply and share what you have learned here in this activity.” – DA Region II RED Narciso Edillo.
A two-day activity on Participatory Technology Development (PTD) on the Management of Fall Armyworm with Emphasis on the Utilization of Different Biological Control Agents in Region II, spearheaded by RCPC Chief of Region II Ms. Minda Flor Aquino, was held at the DA-CVRC, San Felipe, City of Ilagan, Isabela on April 12-13.
The Department of Agriculture – Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) Ilocos Region was represented by RCPC Chief Ms. Marivic Begonia, Regional IPM Coordinator Mr. Aries Magat, and RCPC Technical Staff Mr. Wensley Sandi.
DA – RCPC Chiefs and Technical staff from various regions gathered to witness the actual field demonstration of the different treatments used in the control of Fall ArmyWorm in corn crops at the DA-Cagayan Valley Research Center (DA-CVRC) FAW Learning Field and at the DA – Isabela Experiment Station (DA-IES) in Gamu, Isabela.
The four treatments used were Biological Control Agents (BCAs), Biopesticides, Farmer’s Practice, and controlled/untreated.
DA Region II Regional Executive Director Narciso A. Edillo welcomed the participants and thanked them for the opportunity to demonstrate how effective the Region is at controlling these pests.
“We’re happy in Region II that we were able to show to the whole DA that our BCA is one of the effective mechanisms to eradicate FAW.” RED Edillo said.
He also emphasized the importance of developing a detailed integrated plan in order to transform Philippine Agriculture on a larger scale through the use of technology. “Kailangan na natin sundin ang transformation na sinasabi ng ating mga experts. We need to focus not only on production but also on market productivity,” he added.
Meanwhile, DA – Ilocos RCPC Chief Ms. Marivic Begonia presented updates on PTD in Region 1 during the program, while Mr. Aries Magat presented the Season Long Integrated Pest Management for FFS PAMS on the Sustainable Management of FAW which was held in the province of Pangasinan.
Also present in the activity were Region II’s RTD for Research and Regulations, Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino, City Agriculturist Mr. Moises Alamo representing Mayor Jose Marie L. Diaz, representatives from BPI, FAO representative Mr. Christian June Reyes, and RCPC – Cagayan Valley staff.
The following day, participants went on a tour of Region II’s Integrated Laboratory (ILD) in Cagayan and the RCPC Bio-Con Lab in Isabela.
The goal of the activity is to inform the RCPC staff from various regions about the various treatments used in controlling the Fall Armyworm (FAW) in Region II, share best practices, disseminate information, and apply what they have learned.
