• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel yesterday said that the P10 million budget requested by the Sugar Regulatory Administration to address the infestations of Red Striped Soft Scale Insects (RSSI) in Negros and Panay, has already been approved.
As of this time, the infestation has affected 546.10 hectares of sugarcane fields in 46 barangays of 16 towns and cities of Negros Island Region, and two Panay Island LGUs. It has also affected 294 farmers.
Bago City is the area hardest hit by the infestation, with 124.76 hectares affected, followed by Cadiz City with 84.97 hectares, 74 hectares each in Victorias City and Manapla, Murcia – 63.62 hectares, La Carlota City – 31.77 hectares, La Castellana – 26. 51 hectares, Silay City – 22.97 hectares, and EB Magalona – 15. 26 hectares, rounding out the top nine LGUs affected by RSSI in terms of area.
Whatever support they need from the national government, we will give it, said Laurel, who inspected areas in northern Negros affected by RSSI infestation. He was accompanied by SRA officials, led by Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona.
The RSSI damages sugarcane by sucking leaf sap, causing the foliage to die. Its excrement also encourages fungal growth that can kill the plant.
Regarding the request of farmers to quarantine the movement of sugarcane planting materials, Laurel said that quarantine measures have long been implemented on planting materials.
The problem is, he added, there are some who want to transport it without a permit. But Laurel said it is now being investigated.
Despite the concerning situation, SRA administrator Pablo Luis Azcona, in an interview with GMA News, earlier assured the public that the outbreak is still under control.
The SRA sought emergency powers, citing the RSSI infestation as “alarming,” and called on affected local government units to declare a state of calamity, according to Engr. Jose Albert Barrogo, DA regional director for Negros Island Region.
According to Azcona, the pest, which had previously been contained in Luzon, appears to have reached Negros accidentally.*
