The local government of Bais City in Negros Oriental is exploring measures to contain the spread of the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI), which has infested thousands of hectares of sugarcane fields, Mayor Luigi Marcel Goñi said yesterday.

Goñi said the Sangguniang Panlungsod declared a state of calamity last week following consultations with officials of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and representatives of the sugar industry.

The infestation continues to spread, but the city government has yet to determine the most effective strategy to curb the pest outbreak, he said.

“We have not yet made a final decision on how to come up with a solution,” Goñi said.

The mayor emphasized the need for a unified and synchronized response, saying efforts should extend beyond Bais City and involve other affected areas in Negros Oriental.

Latest SRA data obtained by the Philippine News Agency showed Bais City has 4,139.98 hectares planted with sugarcane. Of these, about 1,702 hectares have been reported infested with RSSI, while 151.75 hectares have been validated.

The SRA also reported that 66 sugar farmers in four barangays have been affected by the infestation.

Goñi said that with the state of calamity declaration, the city government can now access its Quick Response Fund under the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund to finance measures against the pest.

He, however, expressed hope that the provincial government would also provide support to strengthen the response.

“We are waiting for the provincial government to step in so we can fight this together,” the mayor said. (PNA)