Manila | The DA-NUPAP Pest Conference 2024 started with presentations about agriculture, pest management, and environmental sustainability. Experts from diverse fields shared valuable knowledge to address the pressing challenges farmers and urban growers face.
Israel Q. Dela Cruz, Department Manager of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), opened the session by highlighting the crucial role of crop insurance in protecting farmers from unpredictable risks, including natural disasters.
Gideon Aries S. Burgonio, University Researcher II at the National Crop Protection Center, Laguna, followed with a presentation on how climate change affects ecosystems, pollination, and agriculture. He emphasized the urgent need to combat climate change to safeguard biodiversity and ensure agricultural productivity.
Orlando A. Calsetas, Senior Science Research Specialist at DA-Regional Field Office CALABARZON, outlined eco-friendly pest management strategies, such as biological controls and habitat management, which reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. His presentation offered practical, sustainable solutions to maintain healthy crops while minimizing environmental impact for urban farmers.
Dr. Luis Rey I. Velasco, consultant at BPI’s Crop Pest Management Division (BPI-CPMD), stressed that effective pest control strategies depend on understanding the cropping system. He introduced a framework based on “Know Your Plant and Pests” (KYPs), understanding the specific characteristics of pests and plants. He emphasized that interventions should be guided by potential returns.
Dr. Peter M. Magdaraog Chief of BPI –CPMD clarified that not all insects are harmful to crops—many are beneficial. He highlighted how arthropods, including insects, arachnids, and crustaceans, contribute to food, textiles, and medicine. They also play key roles as pollinators, decomposers, and natural pest control.
Dr. Sheryl A. Yap, Professor from the Institute of Weed Science, Entomology, and Plant Pathology at UPLB, explored factors affecting pest populations, such as microclimate, landscape, and vegetation management. She detailed various insect pests in urban and peri-urban areas, including ants, aphids, beetles, and whiteflies, along with their impact on crops and management strategies with chemical control as the last resort.
Russ-Uzi Mayenne A. Ebora, Chief of Biological Control and IPM Section introduced the BPI-CPMD, and its services. She discussed key pest management interventions, including information caravans, pest monitoring, and input distribution. The BPI-CPMD promotes the use of Biological Control Agents (BCAs) as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy and collaborates with other DA and BPI Offices for pest identification and management in urban gardens.
The day concluded with an open forum, where participants, both in-person and online engaged in lively discussions with the speakers, further enriching the exchange of ideas.
You may watch the video recording here:
Stay tuned for more updates from DA-NUPAP Pest Conference 2024!