By Kenneth Marcos 
Rows of green onion fields swayed gently under the mid-February sun in Nueva Ecija, a province known as the country’s “onion basket.” For local farmers, the sight brought relief: recent inspections show that the dreaded onion armyworm is present but under control.
From February 23 to 27, 2026, the Bureau of Plant Industry’s Crop Pest Management Division (CPMD) conducted comprehensive field monitoring in key onion-growing towns, including Bungaon, San Manuel, Dolores, Cabanatuan, and San Leonardo. The initiative involved collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Regulatory Office, Regional Crop Protection Center III, and Municipal Agriculture Offices to assess pest activity and review current control measures.
Inspectors visited farms belonging to Aurello Rodriguez, Eulgio Cabiles, Larry Copuz, Lito Esteban, Jojo Ducay, Allan Ordanza, Ramil Narbete, Samson Narbete, Marion Narbete, Elvis Javier, Rodante Dionisio, Ernesto Magsanoc, and Edwin Rollioda. They carefully examined onion plants, recorded pest incidence, and verified the effectiveness of farmers’ pest management practices.
The results were reassuring. While some egg masses of onion armyworm were detected, their numbers were significantly lower than in previous monitoring sessions. No active or widespread infestations were observed that could threaten the harvest. Overall, the crops were healthy, and farm conditions were satisfactory.
The team also confirmed the capture of adult armyworms in monitoring traps, indicating that although the pest remains present, current control measures—such as regular field scouting, trap deployment, and timely interventions—are effective in preventing population outbreaks.
CPMD emphasized that monitoring will continue across other onion farms in Nueva Ecija to ensure early detection and rapid response to any changes in pest levels. Farmers are reminded to coordinate with their Municipal Agriculture Offices for guidance on safe and effective pest management. These proactive steps help maintain stable onion production and protect livelihoods in one of the country’s most important agricultural regions.
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