By CESAR JOLITO III

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said local government units (LGUs) should decide whether to adopt aerial spraying as part of efforts to combat the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation, stressing that each locality faces different conditions and levels of infestation.

Lacson said cities and municipalities are in the best position to determine the most appropriate response based on the situation in their respective areas.

His statement comes as discussions continue over the most effective strategy to contain RSSI, which has affected thousands of hectares of sugarcane plantations in Negros Occidental and other parts of the Negros Island Region, threatening one of the country’s major sugar-producing areas.

The proposal to conduct aerial spraying has generated differing views among stakeholders.

Some industry groups support the measure, saying it could provide a faster response to the widespread infestation, while others have raised concerns over its possible environmental and public health impacts and are calling for science-based interventions.

The provincial government has instead focused on biological control measures, allocating nearly P25 million for a six-month biosecurity campaign against RSSI.

The program includes the application of the fungus Metarhizium, intensified pest surveillance and monitoring, laboratory analysis, and research aimed at containing the spread of the insect.

Lacson emphasized that while the provincial government continues to support coordinated efforts against RSSI, LGUs should be given the flexibility to decide on aerial spraying in consultation with national agencies and the sugar industry, with the goal of protecting both agricultural productivity and public welfare./CCJ, WDJ