DA explains rapid rise in rat population

LEGASPI CITY -- Experts at the Department of Agriculture attributed the rapid increase in the rat population in Bicol to plural breeding of lactating female rats inside a single burrow.

Delfin Centeno, chief of the regional Crop Protection Center of the Department of Agriculture based in Pili, Camarines Sur described the phenomenon as "condensation potential."

The rapid increase in the rodent's population in the provinces of Masbate, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon staring January this year has already destroyed millions worth of agricultural crops.

The damage in Masbate was estimated at P25 million worth of rice, corn, vegetables and other rootcrops were lost after rats have attacked at least 18 farmlands of this island province.

The destruction prompted the municipal government to place the affected village under a state of calamity.

Rogelio Magalang, municipal agriculturist based in Masbate, said affected villages are Cagay, Asid, Sinalongan, Malinta, Bayonbong, Biyong, Igang, Papina, Usab, Mainganan, Titong, Ubongan, Dacu, Pawa, Bolo, Cawayan, Interior, Cawayan Exterior, and Batuhan.

Starting from January to March of this year farmers have informed the municipal government of the unusual increase in the number of rats which also attacked coconut, rice, corn vegetables and other rootcrops in said places.