SRA seeks emergency powers to stop pest infestation

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — As the spread of red-striped soft scale insect or RSSI infestation quadrupled in just eight days in Negros, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is seeking emergency powers to contain the problem.

Thirteen towns and cities in Negros Occidental have reported the presence of RSSI in their sugarcane farms.

Infestation was also reported in Mabinay, Negros Oriental and Anilao, Panay.

Latest SRA records show that the infestation has spread to 424.82 hectares of sugarcane plantation, almost double compared to the 255 hectares of RSSI-infected lands on May 28.

Pablo Luis Azcona, SRA administrator, called for strict quarantine measures on the movement of canes and planting materials, among other measures.

“The RSSI was first observed in Luzon in 2022 and contained by the SRA and Department of Agriculture (DA) in 2024. It is surprising how it got to Negros where 65 percent of the industry is present,” Azcona said.

Aside from quarantine, he also recommended that the DA and Bureau of Plant Industry disallow the entry of planting materials, whether for commercial or research purposes, without certification.

SRA deputy administrator Ignacio Santillana said the emergency powers are needed to fast-track the procurement and distribution of pesticides, given the strict regulations of the Commission on Audit regarding procurement.

“We want to utilize P1.5 million for pesticides purchase while we are waiting for DA assistance, but our hands are tied,” Santillana said.