• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday that he will issue an executive order creating a task force, which will focus on addressing the infestation of red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) in sugarcane farms.
Lacson said the task force will be composed of representatives of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and the provincial government.
As to the declaration of a state of emergency or urgency being asked by the SRA, it still needs the approval of the Provincial Board, he added.
Lacson said the present damage caused by the RSSI infestation is not enough to qualify for the declaration of a state of emergency.
While the SRA reported more than 2,900 hectares of sugarcane fields hit by RSSI, it estimates that only a small percentage of the affected areas is considered severely damaged.
SRA reported that the majority of the affected farms have only mild to moderate infestation levels.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said the declaration of a state of emergency or urgency will hasten the procurement process of pesticides needed to prevent the spread of RSSI.
Lacson said he will consult the Provincial Legal Office about it.
An amount of P15 million has been earmarked by the Department of Agriculture and the SRA for the purchase of pesticides. | GB
