By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA The Bacolod City government will enforce stronger measures to prevent the possible resurgence and spread of African swine fever (ASF), a highly contagious and deadly disease affecting hogs. Mayor Greg Gasataya, who recently convened the city’s Task Force on ASF, said the city will impose a ban on imported pork and …
HEADLINE
Curb ASF spread | NegOcc tightens control as losses hit P14-M
By CESAR JOLITO III Localities in Negros Occidental are intensifying biosecurity measures following the deaths of 1,213 hogs with losses valued at approximately P14.46 million amid the resurgence of African swine fever (ASF). The swine deaths from May 20 and June 22 caused losses accounting for 4.06 percent of the province’s 29,880 hog population, according …
RSSI state of calamity stays | Infestation widens to 32% of sugar farms
By CESAR JOLITO III A state of calamity in Negros Occidental will remain in effect amid the continued spread of the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI), which has now affected 32.18 percent of the province’s sugarcane plantations, as localities craft measures to curb the pest infestation. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the provincial government is …
ASF hits NegOcc town | San Enrique logs 500 swine deaths
By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed cases of African swine fever (ASF) in San Enrique yesterday, as localities have been intensifying measures to contain the spread of the highly contagious hog disease affecting the industry. Lacson affirmed yesterday that laboratory test results have verified the presence of ASF in the …
Unifed: RSSI infestation ‘alarming’ | Action sought as sugar industry under threat
By CESAR JOLITO III The United Sugar Producers Federation (Unifed) is set to meet with Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) officials today to discuss urgent measures against the rapidly spreading red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation affecting sugarcane plantations. Unifed President Manuel Lamata described the situation as alarming, noting …
Focus on watershed preservation | Nature protection urged in bulk water project
By CESAR JOLITO III The Green Alert Network Negros Island Region Inc. is set to submit a manifesto outlining its position and recommendations regarding the proposed Negros Occidental bulk water supply project being pushed by the provincial government. The project identifies the Malogo River, which traverses Silay City, E.B. Magalona and Victorias City, as a …
Protect blue crab industry | Bacolod urges nat’l action amid US import ban
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved a resolution urging national government agencies to take immediate action to cushion the impact of the United States import ban on blue swimming crabs in the Philippines, warning that the restriction threatens the livelihood of thousands of workers and fisherfolk. The resolution also expresses support …
Fungus ‘army’ vs. sugar pest | DA mobilizes biocontrol agent to curb RSSI infestation
By CESAR JOLITO III The Department of Agriculture (DA) has ordered the mass production of a naturally occurring fungus to combat the destructive red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) as the infestation spreads to 4,847.63 hectares of sugarcane farms across the Visayas, posing a growing threat to the country’s sugar industry. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, …
No clash deaths | Police, gov’t troops slam socmed claims on Calatrava gunfight
By CESAR JOLITO III Authorities debunked social media posts claiming that government troops suffered casualties during an armed encounter at Barangay Lalong in Negros Occidental’s Calatrava town on Sunday, June 14. In separate statements, the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – …
Emergency state looms over outbreak | Declaration depends on extent of RSSI damage
By CESAR JOLITO III A state of emergency may soon be declared in Negros Occidental as the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation continues to spread across sugar-producing areas, affecting more than 2,000 hectares of sugarcane farms in the Visayas. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the provincial government is considering the declaration but emphasized that …