In a vegetable farm in Barangay Macabito, Calasiao, Pangasinan, bitter gourd fruits or ‘ampalaya’ lay wasted, overrun by worms.

Farmers like Cesar De Vera are facing declining profits because of worm infestation.

"Masisira na kapag nakapasukan ng uod ang mga bunga," De Vera said.

Heavy rains worsen the situation, causing the plants to rot faster.

"Syempre mababasa ito ng ulan, mabibitak na; kapag nabitak, reject na [at] hindi na maibebenta," De Vera added.

The Provincial Agriculture Office continues to monitor farms across the province during the rainy season, suspecting that Fall Armyworms are responsible for the damage.

"Kakainin niya to the ground, ‘yun ang nature ng armyworm. Una ‘yung leaves, at [pagkatapos] kakainin [na] ang buong halaman," Dalisay Moya, Pangasinan Provincial Agriculturist, said.

Farmers have been advised to spray pesticides regularly to control the infestation. 

Local agricultural authorities are assessing the extent of damage caused by the pests to vegetable crops in the area.