The Department of Agriculture Regional Office VIII, through the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) and the National Corn Program, successfully conducted a specialized training on utilizing earwigs as biological control agents on April 22–23, 2026, in Brgy. Campiyak, San Sebastian, Samar.

The two-day session was attended by members of four corn farmers’ associations within the Municipality of San Sebastian and was designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of local farmers, focusing on the use of earwigs to manage insect pests and the promotion of sustainable farming practices.

The training provided a comprehensive overview of the current corn industry situation in Eastern Visayas and the biology of common corn insect pests. The discussions emphasized the behavior and vital role of earwigs within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies complemented by hands-on workshops where participants gained practical experience in preparing local materials for earwig production. The farmers also took part in field demonstrations, learning the proper techniques for releasing and monitoring earwigs directly within corn fields.

The activity also looked toward the future, involving action planning for the establishment of earwig rearing facilities and local demonstration sites. This training provided both valuable technical insights and significant motivation for the farmers of San Sebastian, encouraging them to organize a corn cluster and adopt more sustainable production methods.

Furthermore, the initiative highlighted the potential for establishing a village-type Biocon Facility for the mass production of earwigs. Such a facility would not only strengthen regional pest management but also create additional livelihood opportunities for the community. The event concluded with the distribution of certificates of participation to the corn farmers, marking their commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture.