By CESAR JOLITO III
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson has approved an initial P24.97-million budget for the provincial biosecurity task force to strengthen the province’s response against the sugarcane pest infestation threatening the local sugar industry.
The approved P24,968,575.56 budget will finance the task force’s first six months of operations, supporting field monitoring, laboratory services, scientific research, and biological control initiatives aimed at containing the infestation.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II said the funding reflects the provincial government’s commitment to a science-based response to the growing threat.
“Once approved, implementation will immediately begin,” Diaz said.
The largest share of the funding, amounting to P11.02 million, has been allocated for the CO-LAB Research and Development Program, which includes whole genome sequencing, production of Metarhizium biocontrol agents, mass propagation of parasitoid wasps, and resistance profiling of sugarcane varieties to develop science-based strategies against the pest.
The Provincial Veterinary Office will receive P7.63 million to implement field operations through its paraveterinarians, while P2.68 million has been earmarked for biomaterial production and P2.08 million for the development and deployment of biological control agents.
The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist has been allocated P1.56 million for field inspection, surveillance and monitoring activities.
Diaz said the province is investing heavily in research to ensure that interventions are backed by scientific evidence.
“The laboratory component is essential because it includes whole genome sequencing, biocontrol research and other scientific studies that will guide our long-term response against biological threats affecting the sugar industry,” he said.
The biosecurity task force will spearhead intensified surveillance, research and biological control efforts to contain the spread of the pest and safeguard Negros Occidental’s sugar industry, one of the province’s primary economic drivers./CCJ, WDJ