• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A district-wide management structure aimed at strengthening the campaign against the red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI) was adopted during the Metro Third Sugar Industry Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Talisay City, Negros Occidental on Aug. 2.
The activity brought together government agencies, sugar industry leaders, researchers, and local officials to unify efforts against the pest threatening the province’s sugarcane industry.
The newly adopted Metro Third District RSSI Management Structure establishes a coordinated framework led by the Office of Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, which will provide policy direction, inter-agency coordination, and leadership.
The Philippine Sugar Research Institute Foundation Inc. will serve as the lead technical and scientific partner.
Under the framework, coordination extends from city and municipal mayors and local government agriculturists to barangay RSSI coordinators, farmer leaders, cooperatives, planters’ associations, and individual farmers to ensure synchronized implementation of control measures.
In a statement, Benitez said the district’s response would be anchored on science-based and data-driven strategies.
“Our goal is to pursue science-based solutions and find the real solution to RSSI,” Benitez said, emphasizing that the initiative aims to unite stakeholders and set aside political differences to address the challenges facing the sugarcane industry.
He also underscored the need for an effective reporting mechanism to allow authorities to identify infestation hotspots and implement targeted interventions.
During the meeting, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) reported that as of July 24, RSSI had affected 5,844 validated hectares in the Third District, impacting 3,268 sugarcane farmers.
SRA OIC Chief Agriculturist Dee Arr Paglumotan said more than P209 million in corporate and Sugar Industry Development Act assistance had already been released.
Paglumotan called for continued surveillance, regulated movement of planting materials, and synchronized area-wide pest management to contain the spread of the insect.
Technical experts also presented recommended approaches to combat the infestation.
Engr. Colen Ocalinas of the Provincial Biosecurity Task Force showcased the province’s Geographic Information System-based mapping system, which classifies infestation sites according to severity to guide interventions.
Ocalinas also highlighted the use of the biological control agent Metarhizium to establish barriers against further spread.
Dr. Michelle Guerrero of the University of the Philippines Los Baños National Crop Protection Center explained that RSSI populations increase rapidly because females reproduce without mating and generations overlap, making timely intervention during vulnerable stages essential.
University researcher II Randolph Candano emphasized that chemical control should complement, rather than replace integrated pest management.
He recommended rotating insecticides based on their mode of action to slow resistance and protect beneficial organisms.
Forester Andres Untal stressed that isolated farm-by-farm spraying is insufficient, saying outbreaks are influenced by the surrounding landscape.
He advocated area-wide management that integrates farms, forests, waterways, and communities into a single coordinated system.
The meeting concluded with stakeholders from various sectors presenting and submitting their respective action plans to support the implementation of the newly adopted district-wide RSSI management structure. | GPB
