Bacolod: The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is fortifying its alliance with the Negros Occidental provincial government and local government units (LGUs) to combat the escalating red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation affecting the region's sugarcane farms.
According to Philippines News Agency, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona shared the latest status report on RSSI, revealing that nearly 13,780 hectares of sugarcane farms are affected on Negros Island. The report was presented during a meeting with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Provincial Board members. Azcona emphasized the importance of collaboration with LGUs and the provincial government to effectively tackle the infestation.
Governor Lacson highlighted the potential continuation of the state of calamity declared due to the RSSI outbreak and the impact of tropical cyclone Crising last year. He mentioned consulting the Provincial Legal Office regarding the need for a new resolution to address the ongoing RSSI threat.
The SRA report dated June 21 indicated that in Negros Occidental, the largest sugar-producing province in the country, 12,332 hectares of sugarcane farms are infested, while in Negros Oriental, the infestation covers 1,465 hectares. A total of 333 villages across the island are affected.
SRA studies suggest that RSSI could potentially reduce the sugar content of infested canes by up to 50 percent. Manuel Lamata, president of the United Sugar Producers Federation, expressed concern over the severe impact of the infestation on crops, stressing the need for intervention from both government and private sectors.
The RSSI Inter-Agency Task Force, led by Lacson, has developed policies and strategies to combat RSSI. These include guidelines for transporting sugarcane plants, field monitoring, and technical assistance in affected areas, as well as providing pest control insecticides through SRA's Quick Response to Pest Outbreak Project.
Since the previous year, SRA has allocated PHP177.5 million from its corporate funds to combat RSSI. An additional PHP28.97 million from the Sugar Industry Development Act supports pesticide and fertilizer assistance, equipment for pesticide application, and other interventions.
The SRA Research, Development and Extension Program emphasizes the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, local governments, sugar mills, and farmers to prevent further spread and protect the sugarcane sector. SRA leaders continue to urge farmers to report suspected RSSI cases promptly to ensure timely validation and intervention.
