Pangasinan: The City Agriculture Office here is bracing for the effects of cecid fly infestation as more mango growers report such incidents. City Agriculture Officer Estrellita Jacaban, in an interview, said their coordinators started to receive reports from the members of the Mango Growers Association about cecid fly infestation in December last year.
According to Philippines News Agency, Jacaban mentioned that cecid flies attack during cold weather and at night as they are nocturnal pests. Reports indicate that around 20 percent of mango growers were affected in December 2025, with the number increasing to 60 percent in January. The agriculture office, through designated coordinators, is actively engaging in coordination, education, and information drives to combat the infestation.
Jacaban emphasized three crucial measures to counter the cecid fly infestation. These include proper sanitation by burying or burning fallen fruits, pruning branches to allow sunlight, and employing bagging technology for mangoes. Trained baggers are available to efficiently execute the bagging process. Despite the challenges, mango growers express a desire to continue in the industry, with support from the local government and the Department of Agriculture.
The city has allocated resources such as mango inducers, foliar, and fruit boosters to assist the growers. Additionally, grafted mango seedlings are distributed twice a year. The agriculture office's data reveals that there are over 19,000 mango trees in the city, with 60 percent being old and 10 percent centuries-old.
Last year, 765 mango growers were affected by typhoons, resulting in damage to more than 9,000 mango trees and losses amounting to PHP198 million. The government support extends beyond mangoes to other crops such as rice and vegetables, as part of an integrated cropping campaign. Various programs provide production support to the growers.
The regular season for mango harvesting is anticipated in March or April, coinciding with the Mango Bamboo Festival celebration.
