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Municipal agriculturist Noemi Nicolas said a total of 861 farmers were affected by the infestation.
“We are expecting the extent of the damage to be more than the current figure because we received reports that other villages in M’lang have also been affected,” Nicolas said.
The stem borer infestation prompted the Sangguniang Bayan to declare the entire town under a state of calamity.
The affected villages include Pulang Lupa, Buayan, New Janiuay, New Barbasa, Lepaga, Inas, Langkong, Lika, Luz Village, Pag-asa, New Antique, Tibao, Bialong, Magallon, Sangat, Dugong, Dalipe, and Kalunasan.
M’lang Mayor Joselito Piñol said they will allocate funds in order to give assistance to the affected farmers.
“For the meantime, I am appealing to our farmers not to panic. Your local government is doing its best to address this problem,” Piñol said.
The municipal agriculturist is scheduled to visit other far-flung villages to determine the extent of the damage brought about by the stem borers. (MindaNews)
