Farmers in Barangay Tugatog, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija were forced to harvest their white and red onions weeks earlier than planned after crops came under heavy attack from armyworms or “harabas.”

The infestation damaged large portions of onion fields, causing farmers to harvest early to prevent total crop failure. Several growers said the onions were not yet fully grown, but delaying harvest would have meant losing everything to the pests.

Even with the early harvest, farmers said they are struggling to recover production costs

Mario Peralta, one of the affected farmers, said nearly half of his onion crop was destroyed by the infestation.

“Eh, kuwan na po ‘yan. Halos ma-porsiyento na po ‘yung kuwan, ito lang po halos kalahati na eh… lalaki pa ito eh, kung hindi nasira,” he said

Another farmer, Dante Zamora Sr., said his harvest dropped sharply compared to previous seasons. From as many as 300 bags in past years, he said he managed to harvest only 16 bags this time.

“Wala na pong magagawa kahit anong lason gamitin… may mga butas-butas na po ‘yung mga naiwan na ‘yan, kalat na, kaya malaking lugi po,” Zamora said

Most of the onions harvested were undersized and classified as “pickles,” which typically sell at lower prices. Farmers said the situation worsened as birds such as sparrows and crows also damaged the crops. These birds often feed on harabas, but in the process, they also destroy onion plants

Barangay Tugatog is one of several areas in Bongabon with extensive onion farms. Barangay Councilman Romeo Pascual Jr. said onion farming is the main source of livelihood for residents and that pest infestations occur every year.

“Ito po ang kabuhayan ng mga kabarangay namin. Taon-taon po nararanasan ng mga magsasaka ang harabas dito sa lugar namin… sana po makita po ‘yung mga magsasaka namin, sobrang hirap sa aming barangay na sana matugunan na. Sana po hindi po bumaba ‘yung presyo para naman po masuklian ‘yung pagod nila,” Pascual said

GMA Regional TV is seeking a statement from the local government of Bongabon on possible measures to address the farmers’ losses and the recurring pest problem in the town’s onion-producing areas as of press time.