Negros occidental: The National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) has provided assistance to sugarcane farmers in some local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental in strengthening sustainable management of the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI).
According to Philippines News Agency, the University of the Philippines Los Ba±os-based NCPC reported that a team led by Dr. Barbara Caoili visited the province from July 15 to 17. The visit included a series of trainings, field assessments, and stakeholder meetings, aimed at promoting science-based, environmentally sound, and sustainable RSSI management practices. These efforts were conducted in partnership with the Victorias Milling Company Inc. (VMC), and the Offices of 5th District Rep. Emilio Bernadino Yulo III and Isabela Mayor Miguel Angelo Yulo, following a renewed outbreak of RSSI in Negros Island, which contributes more than 60 percent of the country's sugar output.
The NCPC emphasized that through stronger collaboration among LGUs, research institutes, state universities and colleges (SUCs), the private sector, and policymakers, the program seeks to expand the promotion of sustainable management and facilitate a more coordinated response to RSSI outbreaks. Over 100 sugarcane planters attended the VMC-organized training in Victorias City on July 15, while at least 400 sugarcane planters and other agricultural stakeholders participated in a training session in Isabela town on July 16, themed 'Fight against RSSI: Strengthening Multi-Sectoral Partnerships for Sustainable RSSI Management.'
The seminars centered on integrated pest management strategies for RSSI. Dr. Caoili discussed the geographic distribution of the insects and the NCPC's initiatives and research on RSSI. Other experts presented on the biology of RSSI, its biological control management, and various alternate and bridging hosts. The discussions also covered insecticide management, chemical interventions, proper insecticide application techniques, and the use of protective gear.
During the visit, the NCPC team also met with Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, 6th District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, and other local government officials to discuss ongoing NCPC initiatives on RSSI sustainable management. These initiatives include pest surveillance, molecular diagnostics, varietal evaluation, biological control, risk mapping, and capacity-building programs. Consultations focused on strengthening partnerships with SUCs to enhance the mass production of biological control agents for wider field application.
