𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍 | The Bureau of Plant Industry-Crop Pest Management Division (CPMD), together with the Provincial and Municipal Agriculture’s Office (Bayambang, Pangasinan), DA-Regional Field Office I (Regulatory Division, Field Operations Division and ILD-Regional Crop Protection Center) successfully conducted Farmer’s Training on Pheromone Lure Trapping and Management Strategies for Major Onion Pest and Diseases last February 27, 202 at San Gabriel II, Bayambang, Pangasinan.

The training was attended by five (5) Farmers Associations/Cooperators, namely: San Gabriel 2nd Farmer’s Association, Paragos Farmer’s Association, Manambong Sur Farmer’s Association, Bongato East Farmer’s Association, and Manambong Norte Farmer’s Association, along with participants from the LGU Bayambang. These farmer groups and local government unit representatives were invited to participate in the training session, which aimed to address the increasing concern over the onion armyworm and to provide farmers with crucial knowledge and tools for pest and disease management in their agricultural practices.

Topics covered included HVCDP Support and Programs in Region 1 presented by Mr. David John Tugade Rondal from the DA-RFO1 Field Operations Division; Identification and Management of Major Insect Pest and Disease of Onion by Ms. Rezie Mae Catamora from BPI-CPMD; Integrated Pest Management on Onion Armyworm by Ms. Jade Sanidad from BPI-CPMD; Introduction to Biological Control Agents (BCA) for Onion Armyworm and Initiatives of the DA-RCPC on OAW Infestation in Region I by Ms. Raquel Lopez from the DA-RFO1 ILD Regional Crop Protection Center 1; Onion Pest and Disease Surveillance and Demonstration & Installation of Pheromone Lure Traps by Ms. Merabil Corpuz from BPI-CPMD and Philippine Good Agricultural Practices for Crops (PhilGAP) presented by Mr. Jeson Macaraeg from the DA-RFO1 Regulatory Division.

The BPI-CPMD team also provided pheromone lures, fungicides and IEC materials to the seventy (70) participants who joined the training session. The activity is part of the division’s mandate in support to Public Advocacy for Crop Pest Management. In addition, it aims to: 1) increase the awareness of onion farmer cooperatives and associations (FCAs) and LGUs on the use and proper installation of pheromone lures and traps; 2) proper identification of major pest and diseases of onion; 3) discussed the Integrated Pest Management strategies (IPM); and discussed the importance of pest monitoring, surveillance and pest reporting.