Local government units (LGUs) across Negros Oriental have pledged their full support to the campaign of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) against the red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI), a pest threatening sugarcane farms in the province.
Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria made the commitment during a technical discussion initiated by the SRA with provincial and municipal officials at the Provincial Capitol in Dumaguete City on Sept. 16.
“The provincial government will actively work with SRA to implement pest management strategies and mobilize resources to safeguard our sugar industry,” Sagarbarria said, stressing the crop’s role as a vital economic driver and livelihood source for thousands of Negrenses.
The meeting, organized by the SRA’s Research, Development and Extension Department, is aimed to boost cooperation with Negros Oriental LGUs in addressing the growing RSSI infestation.
They highlighted the need for joint action among national agencies, LGUs, and sugar industry stakeholders to safeguard one of the country’s top sugar-producing provinces.
A technical presentation oriented the attendees on the biology and infestation patterns of RSSI and the latest infestation data in the Visayas as of Sept. 11 underscored the urgency of proactive interventions in Negros Oriental.
To prevent the further spread of RSSI, the SRA recommended three priority measures, including de-trashing of old and infested leaves, weed management to eliminate alternate pest hosts, and judicious insecticide application in heavily infested areas.
The SRA noted that under the integrated pest management, chemical control should remain a last resort due to concerns over pesticide resistance.
To promote eco-friendly options, SRA researchers are conducting field trials using beneficial fungi as a biological control agent against RSSI.
Once proven effective, the fungi will be mass-produced and distributed for free to farmers.
Sugar Order No. 6 (2024-2025) and Memorandum Circular No. 9 (2025) restrict the transport of sugarcane planting materials to prevent pest spread. ||
