Hanip, harabas, El Niño phenomenon : Mga hamon sa pagbangon

00:01 

VO 

Endless hectares of rice fields…
Vast farmlands stretch…
This is the Province of Nueva Ecija –
The rice granary of the Philippines
But what if the rice and vegetables… suddenly died? 

00:18 

FARMER 2 

If you don’t kill the pests within 24 hours, there will be significant damage. 

00:23 

VO 

I am (REPORTER) ________________________
In this report, learn about the hardships that the farmers of Nueva Ecija face caused by the planthopper infestation in the rice fields and fall armyworms in onion farms.
This is a (NETWORK) Special Report! 

00:42 

TITLE CARD 

“Infestation and El Niño Phenomenon: Triumphing over Tribulation” 

00:50 

VO 

Nueva Ecija is the primary producer of local onions in the country. Here in the Municipality of Rizal, Dennis Tesoro has been cultivating onions for two decades. And the main adversary of farmers here – the invasive fall armyworms. 

01:07 

REPORTER TO DENNIS 

So these are fall armyworms? 

01:08 

DENNIS TESORO (FARMER) 

Yes, those are onion fall armyworms. They’ve already gnawed off the leaves! 

This can still be harvested. There are some good ones. But most are already rejected. 

01:17 

VO 

Their fields were attacked by fall armyworms, but luckily they were able to manage it in time. 

01:23 

DENNIS TESORO (FARMER) 

By God’s grace, even though our onion crops have been infested by fall armyworms, but it can be controlled. 

That’s why our onions require a lot of pesticides. For one hectare, we spend at least 5,000 pesos a week just to contain the onion fall armyworms. 

01:43 

VO 

Dennis is saddened by the fact that some individuals exploit the situation, selling pesticides at inflated prices and profiting greatly from their products. 

01:53 

DENNIS TESORO (FARMER) 

When the infestation started, we could buy the good pesticide for only 2,100 pesos. But now, it’s already reaching 2,500 pesos. 

That’s overpriced! 

Why were they selling it for 2,100 at the beginning? It’s just been a few days or weeks since then. 

02:10 

VO 

Besides the fall armyworms, there are other pests that are killing the onion crops. 

02:15 

DENNIS TESORO (FARMER) 

The fungus is causing a decline in our yield. I haven’t identified where it’s coming from yet. I’m currently studying about it. 

But it has a significant impact on us. Our yield is greatly reduced because of it. 

02:27 

VO 

It’s the roots that the fungus attacks, gradually weakening the onions. 

02:31 

DENNIS TESORO (FARMER) 

It damages the onion bulb. Its leaves are deteriorating and dying. That will have a significant impact on us. 

Perhaps almost 50% of the harvest will be lost due to the fungus. 

02:48 

REPORTER TO DENNIS 

It’s like it’s been soaked in water, right? That’s the effect. 

02:51 

DENNIS TO REPORTER 

Yes, it’s melting away. 

02:55 

REPORTER TO DENNIS 

Are you incurring losses? 

02:57 

DENNIS TO REPORTER 

In my own farm, thankfully we won’t incur losses here. However, those really incurring losses are the ones affected by the fall armyworms. And there are many of them. 

03:06 

VO 

Dennis shared that they did receive assistance from the government. 

03:10 

DENNIS TESORO (FARMER) 

The government provided assistance, so we received five thousand pesos and two sacks of fertilizer. 

03:20 

VO 

Despite the damage caused by pests, the Department of Agriculture reported that onion production for 2024 is expected to reach up to 300 metric tons, higher than the 250 metric tons harvested last year. 

The onion supply in the country is also projected to be sufficient due to an increase in cultivation. 

According to Department of Agriculture spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa, the onion fall armyworm infestation in the province is now under control. 

03:49 

ASSISTANT SECRETARY ARNEL DE MESA, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

While there is indeed a slight issue with onion fall armyworm infestation, this is under control by our Regional Field Offices together with the Regional Crop Protection Center. 

About 5% of the crops were affected, and within that 5%, only a small portion is considered totally damaged. Out of the 500 hectares with partial damage, only about 8-10 hectares were significantly affected. 

04:23 

VO 

According to Engineer Rosendo So, the chairman of the Agricultural Industry Association or SINAG, the onion prices soaring to gold-like prices, such as what happened in 2022 when it reached a staggering 800 pesos per kilo. 

04:45 

ENGINEER ROSENDO SO, AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 

I think that it won’t happen again. But we’re monitoring the disparity in prices between the farm gate and retail for onions. Because the farm gate price is low, at only 25 pesos per kilo for white onions, but the retail price reaches 70 pesos per kilo. 

It’s true that there are areas affected, but so far, the spread of the fall armyworms is under control. 

TRANSITION 

05:18 

VO 

In Cabiao, Nueva Ecija, the Constantino family is working together to cultivate this rice farmland inherited from their parents. 

But this year, a significant setback has occurred, which dashed their hopes for a good harvest. 

05:36 

NICK CONSTANTINO (FARMER) 

It’s because of the insect infestation called “hanip” or planthoppers. When they latch onto the plants and suck them dry, there’s no stopping it. 

05:48 

VO 

Farmer Nick Constantino says that they are unable to earn any income due to the invasion of the pest known as the brown and white-backed planthopper. 

05:58 

NICK TO REPORTER 

Look, those white ones there. They look like fine rice bran. 

When the body of the rice plant turns dark like this and becomes sticky, it means the planthoppers have already laid eggs. 

06:14 

REPORTER TO NICK 

The pests have already reproduced. 

06:15 

NICK TO REPORTER 

Yes, that’s correct. If this part gets bitten too, it will also end up like that. 

06:24 

NICK CONSTANTINO (FARMER) 

It does have an effect, but not as severe because some still remain alive. They don’t disappear completely. You spray today. The next day, many dead ones will have fallen. But then again, you’ll see many insects clinging again. You won’t know where they’re coming from. 

06:45 

VO 

Nick’s sister, Nora Dela Cruz, is deeply saddened by what happened to their rice fields. 

06:52 

NORA DELA CRUZ (FARMER) 

We’ve done everything we could. We couldn’t save it. That’s just how trials are. We can handle it, I said. We’ll get through it. 

07:06 

REPORTER/ STANDUPPER 

The area that Ma’am Nora and I are walking through is their farmland. As you can see, everything turned 

brown here. It has all been dried out by the planthopper. 

How many hectares is this, Ma’am? 1.8 hectares. 

07:20 

VO 

This occurrence in the rice fields is called “hopper burn.” All their crops were dried out by the invasive planthoppers. 

07:29 

NICK CONSTANTINO (FARMER) 

It just took them one day! Everything’s gone right away! 

07:33 

NORA DELA CRUZ (FARMER) 

This is the remaining stem or stubble of the rice that was left by the planthoppers. Perhaps if its growth continued, we could recover.
But as you can see, nothing’s left. We spent over 70,000 pesos on this. Our loss is significant. We might just have to borrow next cropping season if there are lenders available, that’s what might happen. 

08:01 

REPORTER TO JESS 

Have you harvested your crops already, sir? 

08:03 

JESS TO REPORTER 

Yes, we have already harvested. 

08:04 

VO 

Farmer Jess Constantino cultivates over a hectare of rice fields. He leases the land, and he has a crop- sharing agreement with the owner. 

08:14 

JESS CONSTANTINO (FARMER) 

This rice plant is already flowering. The rice grain is still inside. During this stage, the rice plant needs abundant water and pesticide spraying. At this stage, the plant is vulnerable to pests. 

08:27 

REPORTER TO JESS 

What happens if it’s not prevented? 

08:29 

JESS CONSTANTINO (FARMER) 

If it’s not prevented, neck cracks start to appear and it dries up. 

08:38 

VO 

But unlike what happened in his siblings’ rice fields, Jess managed to prevent the planthopper infestation. 

08:43 

JESS CONSTANTINO (FARMER) 

I really check the rice fields if there are any pests. So, when I thought there might be some, I sprayed it with pesticide again. 

They were asking me, “You just sprayed yesterday, and you’re going to spray again?” But I said, “When are you going to spray, if it’s already getting worse?” 

08:58 

VO 

He almost daily inspects the leaves of the rice plants to determine if they are already infested by insects. 

09:04 

JESS CONSTANTINO (FARMER) 

Whenever I go out, I always walk in the middle of the rice paddies. 

09:08 

VO 

He says that within just one day, the pests could ravage the entire rice field. 

09:14 

JESS CONSTANTINO (FARMER) 

Within 24 hours, a significant amount can be destroyed. The pests multiply rapidly. 

09:19 

VO 

Some of the damaged rice fields have insurance. But when it comes to claims, it’s nowhere near the amount spent on planting the rice. 

09:27 

NICK CONSTANTINO (FARMER) 

This was insured with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, but when I received the check, the amount was so small! Only 8,800 pesos. 

09:39 

VO 

Some farmers also received assistance from the government. 

09:42 

JESS CONSTANTINO (FARMER) 

We received a lot of free fertilizers from the Department of Agriculture. And our town mayor supplemented what we got from the DA. In short, out of the 11 bags I used in this 1.7-hectare farm, I only bought four bags. The remaining seven were given for free. 

10:01 

NICK CONSTANTINO (FARMER) 

It’s still lacking. However, I’m still grateful that we receive some assistance from the DA. 

10:11 

VO 

Aside from planthoppers, there are other pests that damage the crops. 

10:15 

NICK CONSTANTINO (FARMER) 

Rice leaffolder, insects, caterpillars.
Black bugs, especially during cold weather when the moon is bright; black bugs tend to attack. Rice bugs are bigger bugs. 

10:32 

REPORTER TO NICK 

Is it an option for you to plant other crops instead of rice? Like in times when there is an infestation. Is it an option to plant other crops? 

10:41 

NICK CONSTANTINO (FARMER) 

Our soil here is most suitable for growing rice. Others may opt to plant corn or sorghum. However, the soil here is sticky. The soil cracks extensively, causing other plants to die. 

10:59 

VO 

They recommend that planting and harvesting should ideally coincide to avoid pest infestation. 

11:06 

JESS CONSTANTINO (FARMER) 

If it’s done simultaneously, we can all spray together to kill all the pests. Because if we do it individually, if I spray and my neighbor doesn’t, the pests will just move to the other side. Insects will just keep jumping from one field to another. 

TRANSITION 

11:22 

VO 

In Candaba, Pampanga province, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial harvesting of rice in the village of Mandili. Here, they distributed aid to around 12,000 farmers and 10 cooperatives. 

Despite the challenges faced by farmers, President Marcos. happily reported that the Philippines recorded a harvest of 20 million metric tons of rice in 2023. 

11:50 

PRESIDENT 

FERDINAND MARCOS JR. 

We achieved a record harvest in 2023, reaching over 20 million metric tons of rice. 

12:00 

VO 

Marcos Jr. says it’s a record-high harvest. 

It’s 300 thousand metric tons higher compared to 2022. 

The President mandates the Department of Agriculture with ensuring irrigation, including the installation of solar-powered irrigation systems. 

12:21 

PRESIDENT 

FERDINAND MARCOS JR. 

Most of our rice imports come from Vietnam. So when we went there, Agriculture Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel went ahead and visited and toured their farms. The real secret there, the key is irrigation. 

So, we’re looking at the systems they’re using, and I think we’ll try the solar-powered irrigation. 

12:54 

VO 

According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the rice supply in the country will last until June 2024, especially since the peak of rice harvesting will begin in March and April. 

However, the high price of rice may still be felt until September due to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon on the global rice supply.
For Engineer Rosendo So, Chairman of the Agriculture Industry Association, despite the abundant rice harvest, it is still important to import rice for the country’s buffer stock. 

13:26 

ENGINEER ROSENDO SO, AGRICULTURE 

We’re still short because we reached 30% importation in 2022. In 2023, it slightly decreased; 

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 

from 3.9 million metric tons, it went down to 3.6 million metric tons that we imported. So, it’s still substantial. 

We hope to return to just half of that, around 1.5 million metric tons, for buffer stocking purposes. 

13:58 

VO 

In an interview with the state-run news program “New Philippines,” Engineer Eduardo Guillen, Administrator of the National Irrigation Administration or NIA, stated that the El Niño phenomenon is being felt due to the continuous decrease in water levels in dams. 

14:15 

ENGINEER EDUARDO GUILLEN, NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION 

We have areas of concern such as in Region 3 or Central Luzon, particularly the Pantabangan Dam where there is really a shortage of water. 

14:27 

VO 

Nevertheless, the government is confident that the effect of this will not be detrimental to the agriculture sector. 

14:33 

ENGINEER EDUARDO GUILLEN, 

Our estimate is that around 20% of the farmlands will be affected by El Niño. But if within that 20%, the yield 

NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION 

increases by 50%, then we are confident that our production will not decrease. 

14:46 

VO 

The government says it has long-term solutions against El Niño and climate change. 

14:51 

ENGINEER EDUARDO GUILLEN, NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION 

We have funds allocated for solar pump irrigation with fertigation and drip irrigation. This is for our upland areas, particularly in the Visayas region, where many will benefit. 

Additionally, we are initiating several dam projects such as the Bayabas dam in Central Luzon, we are about to commence the construction of the Maringalo dam, the Calapangan dam in Cagayan Valley, and in the Mindanao area, the Tulunan Dam, among others. 

15:17 

VO 

In Nueva Ecija, water is still flowing for irrigation system. 

According to farmer Pam Constantino, they have prepared for the effects of El Niño. 

15:27 

PAM CONSTANTINO (FARMER) 

The first change in our irrigation system is that it used to be paid. Now it’s free. 

As long as water is available, you can start irrigating. If you’re late, you’ll run out of water.
Sometimes the Pantabangan dam has not enough water due to the infrequent rainfall. 

The water supply you see here is still normal. There’s still a strong flow in the main canal.
Even Bulacan province gets water from Pantabangan dam. They also get water from the dam. 

15:58 

ENGINEER ROSENDO SO, AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 

So far, our rice crop is doing well, and we still have water. 

So, we believe that the harvest in March will not encounter any problems, and the irrigation in the irrigated areas will continue smoothly. 

16:23 

VO 

Besides drought and pests in the fields, farmers face even more serious problems. 

16:31 

NORA DELA CRUZ (FARMER) 

We are being shortchanged. They’re only getting twenty pesos per kilo of rice. 

Will the farmers profit from that small amount? 

16:36 

VO 

The agents, traders, and middlemen dictate the price at which they will buy the harvest. If the farmers were 

the ones to set the price, they would immediately be overpowered. 

16:48 

NORA DELA CRUZ (FARMER) 

We can’t insist on the price that we want. It’s not possible.
The traders don’t want that. They just give their price. Sometimes I tell the people here: When we’re the ones buying, we have no choice but to accept your price. But why is it that when you’re buying from us, we can’t get the price that we want? 

We are already struggling, and we’re being made to struggle even more! 

17:13 

VO 

One of the bases for pricing rice is its moisture content. When fresh rice is dried, its weight decreases due to the loss of moisture content.
Rice miller-traders also deduct other expenses incurred in drying the rice. 

17:30 

JESS CONSTANTINO (FARMER) 

They are the ones who set the price.
They will measure the moisture content of the rice, let’s say it’s 36%. Then they’ll say, “I’ll buy that for just 23 pesos per kilo.”
For me, that’s already okay. At least I earn a little profit. 

17:47 

DENNIS TESORO (FARMER) 

We, the onion farmers, will profit if the price is good. For instance, the farmgate price of white onions is around 27 to 30 pesos, that’s all they buy it for. Red onions yield less. 

As onion farmers, our call to the government is to establish a pricing scheme where we can make a profit. 

18:19 

VO 

As dusk descends, the farmers pause to rest, In the morning, hope shall manifest.
That through the tribulations they endure, They’ll rise again for sure! 

I am (REPORTER), reporting for (NETWORK) Special Report!