General Guidelines on the Implementation of the Fall Armyworm (FAW) Management Project under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (RA 11494)

March 31, 2021

DA MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 26, S. 2021

 

In 2020, corn has a share of 5.80% in the country's Gross Value Added in agriculture valued at PhP102.5 billion at constant prices (2018). The country's production reached up to 8.12M MT in an effective area of 2.55M hectares with yields of about 4.18 MT/ha for yellow corn and 1.89 MT/ha for white corn. The uses of corn are for feeds, staple food, syrup, starch, oil and flour.

In order to sustain the increase in corn production, major insects and diseases should be managed, especially the Fall Armyworm (FAW). To minimize this threat, the Fall Armyworm Management (FAW) Project shall be implemented.

I. Objectives

Manage the incidence of Fall Armyworm to reduce yield loss.

II. General Implementing Guidelines

1. The Fall Armyworm (FAW) Management Project entails the conduct of pest monitoring and surveillance and the distribution of interventions in managing the FAW incidence in corn production areas. The direct interventions include the distribution of pheromone lures, pesticides, power sprayers, ICT equipment, and pest awareness materials.

2. The DA Regional Corn Program (DA-RCP) of the DA Regional Field Office (DA-RFO), serving as project lead, shall procure the interventions under the FAW Management Project.

3. The DA Regional Crop Pest Management Center (RCPMC) shall facilitate the distribution of interventions to the farmers and the use of power sprayers and ICT equipment for the conduct of pest monitoring and surveillance.

4. The direct interventions to farmers include pheromone lures, pesticides, and pest awareness materials. Pesticides and pheromone lures shall be distributed to farmers in corn areas infested by FAW.

5. In order to facilitate the early detection of FAW, pest awareness materials shall be distributed to farmers. The information materials shall guide the farmers in the identification of FAW in the field and help the DA-RFO and Local Government Units (LGUs) in the process of monitoring and surveillance.

III. Roles and Responsibilities

A. National Corn Program (NCP)

1. Oversee the proper implementation of the Fall Armyworm (FAW) Management Project.

2. Conduct regular assessment, consolidate regional reports, and provide periodic updates to higher management.

B. DA Regional Corn Program (DA-RCP)

1. Facilitate procurement of pesticides, pheromone lures, power sprayers, ICT equipment, and pest awareness materials (tarpaulins and leaflets) under the FAW Management Project in accordance with R.A. 9184 and the existing accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

2. Provide support to RCPMC in the consolidation of FAW incidence reports submitted by Local Government Units (LGUs) as a requirement for the distribution of interventions.

3. Provide support to the RCPMC in the distribution of interventions and conduct of pest monitoring and surveillance.

4. Provide a logbook for the lending and collection of ICT equipment to the LGU during and after pest monitoring and surveillance.

5. Undertake close monitoring and regular reporting of the project implementation.

C. DA Regional Crop Pest Management Center (RCPMC)

1. Facilitate distribution of interventions under the FAW Management Project to farmers in corn areas infested by FAW.

2. Facilitate the consolidation of FAW incidence reports submitted by Local Government Units (LGUs) as a requirement for the distribution of interventions.

3. Collaborate with DA-RCP and LGUs for the conduct of the pest monitoring and surveillance.

4. In case of insect pest outbreak, the RCPMC shall lead the use of power sprayers.

5. Provide technical assistance to farmers on the management of FAW in corn production areas.

D. Local Government Unit (LGU)

1. The LGU shall provide a written FAW incidence report to be submitted to the DA-RCP and RCPMC as a requirement for the provision of pesticide and pheromone lures to their affected farmers.

2. The LGUs shall log in and out in the logbook provided by the DA-RCP for the purpose of lending and collection of the ICT equipment; one (1) each for the Provincial Corn Coordinator and Provincial Report Officer, in view of pest monitoring and surveillance activity.

3. The LGU shall use the ICT equipment to conduct pest monitoring and surveillance in coordination with the RCPMC and DA-RCP. After the conduct of the said activity, the ICT equipment shall be returned to the DA-RCP.

4. Provide periodic reports to RCPMC and DA-RCP.

IV. Supplemental Guidelines

The DA-RCP may formulate supplemental guidelines to facilitate the implementation and ensure suitability to local situations. Any deviation in the general implementing guidelines must seek written approval from the National Corn Program Coordinator.

V. Effectivity

This Memorandum Order shall take effect upon approval and shall remain valid until revoked in writing.

Done this 31st day of March 2021.

(SGD.) WILLIAM D. DAR, PhDSecretary