Several crops in Barangay Del Rosario, Pili, Camarines Sur, have been affected by cutworm infestation, specifically the Agrotis ipsilon.

Farmers have reported that cutworms are causing considerable damage, particularly evident when the crops affected are cut.

“Pag pinutol mo ang hawak kan tubo, hihilingon mo duman sa laog kung raot,” Zaldy Bayrante, a farmer, said.

The infestation has led to stunted growth in crops, with some plants even wilting completely.

According to the Regional Crops Protection Center of Bicol, only a few farmers are affected by this pest as of August 7, 2024.

The agency is continuing to assess the extent of damage caused by the cutworms.

Lovella Guarin, spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture (DA) Bicol, assured that the situation is under control and not alarming.

“Isolated cases lang po ito and hindi naman alarming ang sitwasyon natin—oo na-kontrol na po ito… may mga binibigay ang aming Regional Crops Protection Center na mga pang-kontrol like nagpo-produce kami ng mga bio-control agent and pag hindi na kaya, yun na talaga na mga synthetic na pang control,” Guarin said.

The DA also recommended that the farmers affected report pest attacks to their local municipal agriculture office to address and manage pest issues promptly.