By CESAR JOLITO III
In a bid to contain the continued spread of the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) that has already infested over 2,300 hectares of sugarcane farms across the Visayas, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) will conduct a specialized training in Bacolod City on Monday, July 14.
The one-day training, organized by SRA’s Research, Development and Extension Department, aims to educate frontline agricultural workers on how to strengthen early detection, prevention and monitoring measures against RSSI.
Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City was selected as the pilot training site, where SRA officials will present updated strategies and protocols for field monitoring and treatment, including the proper use of insecticides and the destruction of infested plant material.
It will bring together local agriculturists, representatives from affected local government units (LGUs), and technical personnel from partner agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and other stakeholders.
“This initiative is part of our intensified effort to build capacity among field personnel and standardize the immediate response to RSSI,” SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said.
“Awareness is already high, and many planters have begun their own interventions, but we must ensure that proper and science-based methods are followed,” he added.
The event also marks the first major output of the Inter-Agency Task Force on RSSI, composed of the SRA, DA in Negros Island Region, BPI, Department of Agrarian Reform, Food and Pesticide Authority, and Mill District Development Councils.
Slower spread
Based on SRA’s report as of Wednesday, July 2, the RSSI infestation has affected 2,332.24 hectares of sugarcane land in the Visayas, impacting over 1,360 farmers across 101 barangays.
Negros Occidental remains the hardest-hit province, with 2,281 hectares under attack across 20 LGUs.
While the spread of the pest has slightly slowed — rising only by 13 percent from the previous week — Azcona noted the figure could be higher, as some farmers are hesitant to report or remain unaware of the insect’s presence.
RSSI, a sap-sucking insect, significantly threatens sugarcane productivity.
Studies suggest it can reduce sugar content by up to 50 percent if left untreated.
To support affected farmers, the DA has allocated P10 million in emergency pesticide assistance.
Additionally, SRA is piloting a digital dashboard that enables real-time pest reporting and mapping to improve surveillance efforts.
Despite the challenges, recovery is underway in some areas.
SRA reported that 232 hectares of sugarcane fields in high-incidence zones such as the cities of Bago and Victorias, as well as Murcia town, are now considered in recovery after following recommended intervention protocols such as “de-trashing” and border spraying.
“We are racing against time,” Azcona said.
“Every cane we save this month reduces the risk of shortages and cuts down on the need to import sugar later this year,” he added./CJ, WDJ