The municipality of Mabinay in Negros Oriental reported that about 600 hectares of sugarcane plantations have been infested by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI), the sap-sucking pest that attaches to the underside of sugarcane leaves and weakens the crop.

Mayor Ernie Uy disclosed on Thursday, June 25, that seven villages in Mabinay have been affected, with personnel from the Sugar Regulatory Administration already conducting chemical spraying operations to contain the spread.

He added that RSSI cases have also been reported in Bais City, Bayawan City, and the municipalities of Bindoy and Ayungon.

According to Uy, the provincial government has dispatched assessment teams to the affected areas to determine the extent of the damage.

Governor Manuel Sagarbarria committed to provide chemicals to help eradicate the pest.

Uy said it is still premature to declare a state of calamity, noting that authorities are awaiting the results of ongoing assessments.

The mayor, who also chairs the League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Negros Oriental chapter, said he recently proposed during a Negros Island Region Regional Development Council meeting the establishment of a bio-control laboratory to study the pests and develop long-term measures to prevent future infestations.

Meanwhile, the provincial government will create a technical working group to assess and contain the spread of RSSI infestation.

Sagarbarria said local chief executives and concerned agencies will convene next week to coordinate measures against the invasive pest.

“It’s going to be a long week next week as I have spoken to some mayors already,” Sagarbarria said at the opening of the Dive Dauin Festival in Dauin town on Thursday. (PNA)