Destructive pest spreads across 11 cities, towns in Negros Occidental

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An agriculture official says the RSSSI infestation could spread from sugarcane fields and damage corn plantations in Negros Occidental

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – An insect outbreak has taken root across Negros Occidental, threatening the province’s economy.

The Department of Agriculture-Negros Island Region (DA-NIR) confirmed on Sunday, May 25, that the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSSI) – a pest with a known capacity to cripple crops – has now infested sugarcane fields in 11 towns and cities across the province. At least 80 hectares of farmland have already been affected.

The problem has now escalated into a broader threat, and affected areas which include major sugar-producing localities: Talisay, Silay, Victorias, Cadiz, La Carlota, and Bago cities, as well as the towns of EB Magalona, Manapla, Toboso, La Castellana, and Murcia.

Albert Barrogo, officer-in-charge of the DA-NIR, said the situation could become alarming if not contained soon. He warned that the RSSSI (Pulvinaria tenuivalvata) could further spread from sugarcane fields and damage the province’s approximately 7,000 hectares of corn plantations.

However, Barrogo said the onset of the rainy season may help reduce the infestation, as the insect cannot survive in wet conditions.

In response, the DA and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) have launched a joint effort to protect the multibillion-peso sugar industry.

RSSSI can reduce sugarcane content by up to 50%, according to the SRA.

On Friday, May 23, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona wrote to Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to seek urgent assistance from the provincial government. He also appealed for support from the mayors of the 11 affected localities.

“The pest poses a significant threat to our crops and can affect yield which, in general, can also affect the production of the entire sugar industry,” part of Azcona’s letter read.

If left unaddressed, the infestation could severely impact the sugar sector. Negros Occidental accounts for around 60% of the country’s total sugar supply. Of the province’s 540,386 hectares of agricultural land, 54% is devoted to sugarcane cultivation.

The outbreak could affect about 400,000 people who depend on the industry, including large and small planters, agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), hacienda laborers, and sugar mill workers.

On Monday, May 26, former Negros Occidental governor and ex-SRA administrator Rafael Coscolluela said options were available: the use of chemicals or the labor-intensive practices of hagbas and sunog (cutting and burning of affected sugarcane leaves).

Coscolluela said the use of chemicals is necessary when the infestation is severe, while hagbas and sunog are suitable when the situation is still manageable.

“So, it depends now on SRA’s latest assessment of the problem,” he said.

However, he cautioned that the unregulated use of chemicals could harm the environment. He added that around 140,000 ARBs in the province – many of whom lack technical training – may be unable to manage the crisis on their own.

Coscolluela urged the SRA to provide technical support to these small farmers. If the agency lacks funding, he said it should seek assistance from the provincial government or the local mayors. – Rappler.com