THE City Government of Zamboanga has deployed measures to fight and contain black bug infestations in several rice fields in the city.

City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat said his office is responding to contain and fight the reported incidents of infestations by black bugs in the villages of Bolong and Manicahan.

In coordination with local farmers, Palacat’s office is regularly conducting and setting up light traps to capture and eliminate black bugs.

Aside from light-trapping, Palacat said other measures to combat black bug infestation are water management and spraying.

He assured residents that the incidents of black bug infestation are not severe.

It has caused a reduced production of rice in Bolong, while Manicahan has minimal damage as the palay in the area has already been harvested.

The Office of the City Agriculture, however, remains on alert and vigilant to ward off further infestations.