By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the scorching October sun, farmers in Nueva Ecija watched closely as experts from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) inspected their onion fields — searching for signs of the destructive pest known as the onion armyworm. For many, these tiny insects mean the difference between a good harvest and months of hard work gone to waste.
From October 13 to 17, 2025, the BPI-Crop Pest Management Division (CPMD) conducted field monitoring, validation, and the installation of pheromone lure traps in several onion-growing areas across Region III or Central Luzon. The initiative aims to detect, control, and prevent the further spread of Spodoptera exigua — commonly called the onion armyworm — a pest that has caused major losses to onion farmers in recent years.
The field activity was part of the government’s continuing efforts to safeguard the country’s onion production, particularly in Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Bulacan, where the majority of Central Luzon’s onion farms are located. The BPI team worked closely with local government units and farmer associations to monitor pest presence, assess infestation levels, and identify appropriate control measures.
During the inspection, pheromone lure traps were installed in strategic field locations. These traps contain synthetic chemical attractants that draw male moths, helping reduce the pest’s breeding population and allowing farmers and agricultural officers to track pest activity. The data gathered will guide future interventions, including the timing of pest control applications.
Experts reminded farmers that early detection and proper pest management are crucial to protecting onion crops. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies — combining biological, mechanical, and chemical controls — remain the most effective way to limit the damage caused by the onion armyworm.
The BPI also emphasized the importance of farmer education and collaboration. Through regular field monitoring, technical assistance, and the use of eco-friendly control tools, the agency hopes to reduce farmers’ dependence on harmful pesticides while promoting more sustainable onion production.
The onion armyworm outbreak first gained national attention in 2022, when thousands of hectares of onion farms were damaged in Nueva Ecija and Tarlac, resulting in supply shortages and price spikes. Since then, the government has strengthened its pest management programs to prevent a repeat of such crises.
As the monitoring continues, BPI assures the public that it remains committed to helping farmers protect their crops and secure stable onion supply for Filipino consumers.
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