By CESAR JOLITO III
Negros Occidental 5th District Representative Emilio Yulo is urging the provincial government to establish a specialized interagency task force to coordinate efforts against the rapidly spreading red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI), which continues to threaten sugarcane plantations.
Yulo stressed the need for a unified and coordinated response, noting that the infestation has grown beyond the capacity of a single agency to manage effectively.
He proposed that the task force include the provincial government, concerned local government units (LGUs), sugar planters’ associations, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to strengthen field coordination, enforcement and monitoring.
For technical guidance, Yulo also recommended the inclusion of the Department of Agriculture, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), and the National Crop Protection Center, citing their role in providing scientific expertise and rapid pest management strategies.
According to the latest SRA report on RSSI infestation, the pest has already affected approximately 4,847 hectares of agricultural land as of June 11.
Cases continue to rise across Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and neighboring Iloilo province.
Meanwhile, Yulo also disclosed that he is verifying reports of the possible re-emergence of fall armyworm infestations in sugarcane fields within the province, a pest that previously caused significant damage in 2024.
He reminded farmers and stakeholders not to let their guard down even as efforts continue to contain RSSI.
“Farmers are advised to be vigilant and immediately report any signs of armyworm infestation in their areas,” Yulo said.
The lawmaker recalled that during the 2024 outbreak, fall armyworms devastated large areas of sugarcane in Negros Occidental, resulting in millions in losses and affecting hundreds of farming families.
He assured that once current reports are validated, concerned agencies will be mobilized to provide immediate technical intervention and prevent a repeat of previous agricultural losses./CCJ, WDJ