The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center I took the initiative to carry out two batches of Training on Fall Army Worm and Management in Malasiqui, Pangasinan on June 28-30, 2021 and in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur on August 11-13, 2021, respectively.

The training aimed to increase the knowledge and skills of local corn farmers on the life cycle, biology and behavior of the new emerging pest, the Fall Army Worm (FAW). In the said training, topics such as status and history of corn, its biology, ecology, and damage, and management protocols, prevention, and avoidance for Fall Army Worm (FAW) were discussed. A total of 42 farmers completed the said training, 20 farmers from Batch 1 and 22 Farmers from Batch 2. Moreover, 10 bags of yellow corn seeds (FAW Ready) were distributed per batch as extension support of the training.

Since FAW is detected in our country, this training is an intervention by the Department of Agriculture (DA) as we need to do appropriate pest management strategy to limit its infestation and prevent its damage to reach the outbreak level.

Regardless of the current epidemic, the Department of Agriculture ensures sustainable food and livelihood for Filipinos in the years ahead through agricultural programs and projects.