Calamity state to stay in Negros Occidental amid infestation

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines — The state of calamity in Negros Occidental will remain in effect as Red Striped Soft-Scale Insects (RSSI) have infested 32.18 percent of the province’s sugarcane fields, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said Tuesday.

Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) chief Pablo Luis Azcona and United Sugar Producers Federation president Manuel Lamata briefed Lacson and members of the Provincial Board on the extent of the damage during a session at the Capitol in Bacolod City.

Azcona said maintaining a state of calamity is crucial to speed up the release of funds and assistance from national government agencies and local government units to address the outbreak.

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Lacson said the province had earlier been placed under a state of calamity due to the effects of Tropical Cyclone “Crising” (international name: Wipha) and the RSSI infestation last year, and he has asked the Provincial Legal Office to determine whether the declaration remains valid or a new one is needed.

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“What is certain is that the province will have to stay under a state of calamity,” he said.

‘Serious problem’

Azcona described the RSSI infestation as a “very serious problem,” noting that it could significantly affect sugar production.

He said 76,607 hectares, or 32.02 percent of the 239,215 ha of sugarcane lands in Negros Island, have been affected as of June 21. In Negros Occidental alone, 61,242 ha or 32.18 percent were reported hit.

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Validated data showed 12,332 ha were affected in Negros Occidental involving 4,726 farmers, while Negros Oriental recorded 1,465 ha affecting 532 farmers.

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Azcona warned that if damage reaches a 30 percent production loss, it could translate to about 390,000 metric tons of sugar or nearly 20 percent of national output, with estimated losses of up to P17.5 billion.

He added that RSSI outbreaks worsen in hot conditions and are reduced by rainfall, stressing the need for coordinated action with local government units.

Lacson said Negros Occidental will coordinate closely with Negros Oriental for an island-wide response, while also exploring the establishment of a local laboratory to boost biological control measures.

Stakeholders also proposed increased interventions, including aerial spraying, though the governor said these must be carefully assessed for safety and long-term effectiveness.

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Azcona said about P206.4 million has already been allocated for RSSI response efforts since last year, sourced from the Sugar Regulatory Administration and the Sugar Industry Development Act fund. /cb