SRA seeks emergency powers, P10M DA budget to combat RSSI in Negros, Western Visayas

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is urgently seeking emergency powers and inter-agency support, including a P10-million budget from the Department of Agriculture (DA), to combat the rapid spread of red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI) in Negros Island and parts of Western Visayas.

Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona confirmed during a briefing that RSSI was first detected in Tarlac and Pampanga late last year and has now affected over 424 hectares across multiple provinces, including Bacolod, La Carlota, Cadiz, Bago, Silay, Sagay, Victorias, La Castellana, EB Magalona, Calatrava, Toboso, Murcia, Manapla in Negros Occidental, Mabinay in Negros Oriental, and Anilao and Sigma in Iloilo and Capiz.

DA-BPI personnel have started conducting field validation in the northern part of Negros Occidental, which is the most infested area with RSSI.

Farmers can request spraying through the SRA for infected fields, as DA-Negros Island Region Director Albert Barrogo confirmed that disinfection vehicles will be dispatched soon to affected areas.

The multi-agency task force continues efforts to contain the pest, including drone spraying and strict movement controls of planting materials between islands to prevent further spread.