Manila: The United Sugar Producers' Federation of the Philippines (UNIFED), the country's largest independent sugar planters' group, is advocating for the enhancement of initiatives by the inter-agency task force down to the local government level to tackle the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation in Negros Island.
According to Philippines News Agency, UNIFED President Manuel Lamata emphasized the importance of this initiative during an RSSI management and stakeholders forum attended by approximately 200 farmers at Nature's Village Resort in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona presented the latest validated infestation data, revealing that 16,019 hectares of sugarcane farms in Negros Island are affected.
Azcona highlighted the necessity for a unified effort, including research as a crucial component. Of the total affected farms as of June 26, Negros Occidental recorded 14,447.83 hectares, while Negros Oriental accounted for 1,571.33 hectares. Studies by the SRA indicate that RSSI may potentially reduce the sugar content of infested canes by up to 50 percent.
UNIFED's Lamata stressed that RSSI is a widespread problem threatening the sugar industry, as Negros produces over 60 percent of the country's sugar. He urged farmer-members to collaborate in addressing the infestation and assist small planters in neighboring farms.
Lamata commended the existing RSSI inter-agency task force, chaired by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and with Azcona as the action officer. He noted the rise in RSSI infestation last year and the subsequent decline due to the task force's efforts. With the current resurgence, there is a recognized need to involve the entire industry, and Lamata expressed hope for strengthening efforts at the city and municipal levels.
Lamata announced plans to distribute tested protocols to farmer-members for wider dissemination. He urged immediate action, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the crisis.
Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda, also present at the forum, stated his intention to propose declaring a state of calamity in the city. This would enable more urgent interventions for affected sugarcane farmers, as Kabankalan registered the largest RSSI-affected areas in Negros Occidental, with over 3,000 hectares infested.
In La Carlota City, the Asociacion de Agricoltures de la Carlota y Pontevedra Inc. (AALCPI), the largest independent sugar planters' group, pledged to aid the SRA in combating the RSSI infestation.
AALCPI manager Dave Alba expressed satisfaction with the SRA's efforts and noted the importance of the private sector's involvement alongside government initiatives. Alba assured that AALCPI, along with its mill partners, is committed to supporting the SRA's lead in minimizing the impact of RSSI.
The Universal Robina Corp. (URC) mills in Kabankalan and La Carlota also pledged their support to the SRA's efforts. URC Central Azucarera de La Carlota Inc. head Mario Palma and URC Sugar and Renewables managing director Rene Cabati met with Azcona and SRA Board Member Ma. Mitzi Mangwag at the SRA office in Quezon City to express their commitment to combating RSSI.
