Manila: Sugar industry stakeholders vowed support to the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) in addressing the spread of the Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) in Negros. This came as the largest independent planter's group, Asociaci³n de Agricultores de la Carlota y Pontevedra, Inc. (AALCPI), and the Universal Robina Corporation (URC) mills, as well as the La Carlota Mill District Development Chair (MDDC), met with the SRA at the SRA Quezon City office on June 25.
According to Philippines News Agency, former SRA Administrator and AALCPI Manager Dave Alba assured to help sustain mitigation efforts advanced by the SRA against RSSI infestation. 'For as long as SRA takes the lead, we in AALCPI, along with our mill partners, are willing to take a unified stand on how best to eradicate, or at best, minimize the effects of RSSI in our mill district,' he said. He emphasized the importance of private sector involvement alongside government efforts.
As of June 21, 5,258 sugar farmers are affected in 333 barangays in Negros Island Region (NIR) due to the RSSI, with the highest number of affected farmers in Negros Occidental, according to the SRA. The URC signified its commitment to support the farmers by dedicating resources, while MDDC's Florencio Alonso expressed his confidence in the SRA's leadership and the need for expanded involvement from local government units.
In 2025, the SRA intensified efforts to contain RSSI, forming the RSSI Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and issuing Sugar Order No. 6 to reinforce protocols. Over PHP6.47 million quick response funds under the Sugar Industry Development Act (SIDA) have been utilized nationwide, with over PHP4.62 million allocated in Negros Occidental.
In December 2025, the SRA released PHP9.25 million worth of insecticide assistance to sustain pest management in Visayas. Financial support to control RSSI spread was also expressed by Alba, under the existing task force led by Governor Eugenio Lacson, with SRA as the action officer.
The procurement process of the initial PHP5 million fund for Visayas SIDA-Quick Response for 2026 is underway. The SRA also requested PHP10 million additional financial assistance from the Department of Agriculture for pest control inputs and secured PHP4.5 million worth of food packs for affected farmers.
For this year's fertilizer assistance, the SRA plans to utilize over PHP49.99 million worth of funds for Visayas and PHP2.9 million for Luzon and Mindanao areas.
