Farmers in Batangas City are facing significant losses as fall armyworms attack their vegetable and corn crops, causing extensive damage.

Damaged leaves, rotten fruits, and broken branches are among the consequences of fall armyworms infesting the chili pepper crops of Menandro Alog in Barangay Balagtas, Batangas City.

Alog first noticed the worms in June 2024, and their presence has since caused considerable harm to his plants.

He said he was unprepared for the infestation and could not apply insecticide immediately .

Alog said without timely intervention, his business could suffer substantial losses.

"Ngayon laang kami malulugi ngayong tag-ulan na; at maraming sakit ngayon ang dumapo sa halaman, mga uod mga fungus, ‘yan ang madaming sakit," he said.

Alog is among over 20 vegetable growers  affected by fall armyworms, as reported by the Batangas City Agriculture's Office.

The office attributes the infestation to the rainy weather, which promotes the growth of weeds that harbor pests.

Flor Alvarez, Batangas City Agriculturist, said the rains cause weeds to grow, which in turn bring worms and pests to the crops.

Meanwhile, Acoy De Ocampo has sprayed his two-hectare cornfield with insecticide twice since June 2024 to control the fall armyworm infestation.

"Kapag hindi natin ineng ini-spray-han ‘yan ng maagap, walang mangyayari sa ating tanim... hindi maaaring hindi natin ispray-an, walang mapapakinabangan," De Ocampo said.

De Ocampo now harvests his eggplants. He said he is relieved that no pests have been spotted, sparing him additional expenses. Diversifying his crops has also been beneficial, providing alternatives if one type of crop is damaged.

"Hindi laang sa akin dahil nagbibigyan ko ng trabaho ang mga taga-ritong iba na gustong magtrabaho... malaking tulong sa amin [ito]," De Ocampo said.

The City Agriculture’s Office advises farmers to use insecticides to prevent the pests from spreading further.