Pesticide Assistance Mobilized for Red-Striped Scale
BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has mobilized a P10-million pesticide assistance to battle the red-striped soft scale insect infestation, a major threat to sugarcane farms mainly in Negros Island. This targeted aid aims to protect the local sugar industry and support affected farmers.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed that the national government has allocated the budget for pesticides, which the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has already procured. “Nandiyan na ang budget actually na procure na ng Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) ‘yung ginagamit na pesticide ngayon. Kung ano pa kailangang suporta ng national government sa SRA and Negros farmers, we will give it all,” he said during the launch of the P20 per kilo rice under the “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” program.
Strict Monitoring and Quarantine Measures Enforced
Laurel personally oversees inspection efforts in Negros Occidental’s infected sugarcane farms. He emphasized strict enforcement of quarantine rules on transporting sugarcane planting materials to prevent further spread. “Now we’re trying to crack down on it. Talagang bawal ‘yan without permits,” he stated firmly.
Authorities are investigating the origins of the infected cane points through the DA’s intelligence and enforcement teams. The red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI), first reported in Luzon in 2022, was reportedly controlled by the DA and SRA in 2024. However, it reappeared in Negros Island last March, prompting swift action.
Urgent Measures to Halt Sugar Supply Risk
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona stressed the urgency of containing the infestation to prevent a sugar shortage. “We have to stop the infestation because majority of the sugar supply is from Negros. We have about 250,000 hectares planted to sugarcane and almost 500 hectares have been infected,” he said.
He warned that severe infestation could slash sugar production by up to 50 percent. “We hope to control it to ensure that our production will not be affected. The milling season is almost over, which makes it easier since the travel of canes has already been reduced,” Azcona added.
Growing Infestation Area in Negros Occidental
According to SRA data, at least 13 cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental have confirmed RSSI presence. The pest was initially monitored in northern Negros at the end of March. The infestation was officially declared on May 22 after spreading to over 87 hectares.
The affected area rapidly expanded: 191 hectares by May 26, 255 hectares by May 28, and 424.82 hectares by May 30. As of June 2, the infestation had reached 546.10 hectares, highlighting the urgency of containment efforts.
Earlier this week, a joint team from the DA’s Bureau of Plant Industry National Plant Quarantine Services Division, the SRA, and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist began field validation in northern Negros, the hotspot of the RSSI outbreak.
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