Negros Island: The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) announced plans to investigate the impact of red-striped soft-scale insects (RSSI) on sugarcanes that are recovering in the Negros Island region. The SRA noted that approximately 228.16 hectares affected by RSSI are currently in recovery across various locations including Bago City, Murcia, EB Magalona, Silay City, Victorias City, and Manapla in Negros Occidental; Mabinay in Negros Oriental; and Sigma in Capiz.

According to Philippines News Agency, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona Paul has tasked the La Granja Agricultural Research and Extension Center (LGAREC) with studying the effects of RSSI on matured recovered canes, with a particular focus on its impact on sugar content. The SRA previously reported that RSSI infestation might reduce the sugar content of affected canes by nearly 50 percent.

Azcona has also instructed LGAREC to conduct a second study on pesticides to expedite the approval process from the Fertilizers and Pesticides Authority (FPA). The study will include pesticides such as Buprofezin, Dinotefuran, Phenthoate, Pymetrozine, and Thiamethoxam, which had been used in earlier research by the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC).

Currently, no emergency permits or licenses have been issued for any pesticides for sugarcane. However, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has committed to providing at least PHP10 million for pesticide procurement once FPA approval is granted.

As of June 25, RSSI infestation has affected 2,027.79 hectares in the Negros Island region, impacting 1,097 farmers.