Manila: Negros Oriental Governor Manuel Sagarbarria has initiated the formation of a provincial task force aimed at combating the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation that has affected thousands of hectares of sugarcane plantations in the province.
According to Philippines News Agency, the task force's creation follows a meeting attended by key stakeholders, including Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona, United Sugar Producers' Federation of the Philippines (UNIFED) President Manuel Lamata, and various provincial and local government officials. The meeting addressed the escalating pest issue on Negros Island.
Azcona highlighted that approximately 31.42 percent of Negros Oriental's nearly 49,000 hectares of sugarcane plantations are already afflicted by the sap-sucking pest. He emphasized the necessity for a coordinated response as the infestation continues to spread rapidly.
Governor Sagarbarria mentioned that the new task force would be modeled after a similar initiative in neighboring Negros Occidental, with adjustments to fit local conditions. He also revealed that Bais City and Mabinay, two of the most affected areas, are expected to declare a state of calamity, with similar declarations anticipated from Bayawan City and Tanjay City.
"These LGUs are severely impacted by the RSSI infestation. We are also considering including Manjuyod and Pamplona, pending evaluation of the damage extent," Sagarbarria explained. Provincial rules require at least two local government units to declare a state of calamity before a provincial declaration can be made.
To aid the response, Sagarbarria has committed an initial PHP15 million to procure pesticides necessary for controlling the outbreak. UNIFED President Lamata announced plans to bring in an aircraft from Mindanao to conduct aerial pesticide spraying over sugarcane fields on Negros Island, noting the rapid spread of the infestation since May.
Azcona described RSSI as an invasive pest likely originating from Egypt. Current reports indicate that 15,367 hectares of sugarcane fields in Negros Oriental are infected, with 1,571.33 hectares validated as affected, impacting 550 farmers in 58 barangays.
Azcona urged local government units to assist in validating affected areas, citing the SRA's insufficient manpower for comprehensive assessment. While all 25 local government units in the province report infestations, some areas remain manageable with ongoing pesticide spraying.
He assured that the SRA would provide technical training, assistance, and pesticides once the Negros Oriental Task Force on RSSI becomes operational.
