Negros occidental: The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has pledged to expedite the utilization of PHP10 million in aid to address the red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI) infestation impacting sugarcane plantations in Negros Occidental. This decision comes in the wake of the provincial government's declaration of a state of calamity due to the dual effects of Severe Tropical Storm Crising and the escalating pest crisis.

According to Philippines News Agency, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona expressed approval of the provincial council's declaration, emphasizing its significance in accelerating the procurement of pesticides. The research from the National Crop Protection Center of the University of the Philippines underpins this initial defensive strategy against the pest outbreak.

Azcona has previously instructed the La Granja Agricultural Research and Extension Center to carry out an additional study on several pesticides, including Buprofezin, Dinotefuran, Phenthoate, Pymetrozine, and Thiamethoxam, to expedite their permit applications with the Fertilizers and Pesticides Authority (FPA). The Department of Agriculture has already sanctioned the PHP10 million funding for pesticide procurement, contingent on FPA approval.

Azcona highlighted the importance of this funding in providing timely support to farmers, particularly smallholders, enabling them to resume field activities and protect their crops from RSSI. He also called for a reassessment of the affected regions to evaluate whether the recent storms have mitigated pest populations and to begin field trials using organic control methods like fungi for sustainable management.

As of July 17, the RSSI infestation has impacted a total of 2,988 hectares of sugarcane plantations in the Negros Island Region, with 2,931 hectares recorded in Negros Occidental.