Isabela State University will be working with various agencies in the Province of Isabela as Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force was formed to contain the growing concern on Rice Black Bug pest.

The emergence of the crop pest, or what experts refer to as “RBB”, began as isolated cases in some areas of Region 02, including the provinces of Quirino and Isabela.

Heightened concerns follow as the recent full moon drew out a surge, which has reportedly infected 11 municipalities in Isabela, and two other towns in Quirino.

With the Task Force’s whole-of-government approach, the University would be venturing R&D thru its research centers to beef-up scientific solutions for the infestation.

The Task Force will be headed by Governor Rodolfo T. Albano III, with the following members:

Vice Chairperson: Hon. Faustino G. Dy III Vice Governor

Action Person: Dr. Marites E. Frogoso Provincial Agriculturist

Members:

Hon. Arnold S. Bautista Federation President, League of Municipalities

Hon. Adrian Philip S. Baysac Committee on Agriculture Ex-Officio Member-Sangguniang Panlalawigan

Hon. Dante G. Halaman LNB Federation President Isabela League of Municipal and City Agriculturists of the Philippines

Representative Department of Agriculture

Representative DA – Regional Crop Pest Management Center

Representative PHILRICE

Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino President, Isabela State University

Representative Farmers Organization

 

(JF/GZ/BJC-UMIS-CMS)