By CESAR JOLITO III
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of La Carlota has moved to strengthen the city’s agricultural protection measures by advancing funding for pest control programs and tighter biosecurity protocols to safeguard both the sugarcane and hog industries.
During its regular session, the city council tackled urgent interventions following the reported outbreak of the red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI), which has affected sugarcane farms in the city.
Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) mill district officer Cristene Silga urged lawmakers to provide financial support for integrated pest management, including biological and chemical control measures, to prevent the further spread of the infestation.
The proposed intervention is expected to benefit agrarian reform beneficiaries and small sugarcane farmers whose livelihoods depend on the local sugar industry.
Alongside the pest response, the council also intensified measures to protect La Carlota’s swine industry from the threat of African swine fever (ASF), following increased swine mortalities reported in neighboring local government units.
City Veterinary Officer Dr. Carlos Ceasar Catabas presented a biosecurity plan that includes stricter border control measures, emergency livestock quarantine protocols, and enhanced disease surveillance to prevent the entry and spread of the virus into both commercial and backyard hog farms within the city.
Apart from agriculture-related concerns, council members also reviewed several usufruct agreements needed to facilitate pending rural electrification projects.
The agreements will support the expansion of electricity services in the barangays of Ara-al, Ayungon, Batuan, Haguimit, San Miguel, and Yubo.
The city council likewise approved the technical specifications and funding allocations for two farm-to-market road projects in Barangay Yubo.
The infrastructure projects include the concreting of the road connecting Yubo Proper to Sitio Bais and another road section leading to Purok Balangon, aimed at improving access for farmers and accelerating the transport of agricultural products.
To finance these initiatives, the council deliberated on a resolution adopting the city’s Supplemental Annual Investment Program for Calendar Year 2026 under the general fund, providing funding for agricultural protection, rural infrastructure, and other priority development programs./CCJ, WDJ