BACOLOD CITY – The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) on Wednesday welcomed the decisive actions of the top leaders in Negros Island to fight the increasing red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation.

In a statement, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona thanked Governors Eugenio Jose Lacson of Negros Occidental and Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria of Negros Oriental for supporting the agency’s initiatives in addressing the threat posed by the invasive sugarcane pest.

“We are thankful to both governors and glad for their support. This will strengthen collaboration to ensure a cohesive and concerted action island-wide,” he added.

Negros produces more than 60 percent of the country’s sugar output, and studies cited by the SRA indicated that RSSI may potentially reduce the sugar content of infested canes by up to 50 percent.

SRA-Visayas’ validated data as of June 26 showed Negros Island Region is the worst-hit. Negros Occidental recorded 14,447.83 hectares of affected sugarcane farms while Negros Oriental logged 1,571.33.

In Negros Occidental, the provincial board passed a resolution Tuesday afternoon declaring a state of calamity in the province due to the outbreak and continuing infestation of the invasive sugarcane pest, following the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) chaired by Lacson.

“That is serious. Our crop production will go down, on top of low (millgate) prices,” Lacson said in an interview on Wednesday.

The declaration of a state of calamity will allow the provincial government to provide the available funds necessary for the implementation of emergency response, containment, rehabilitation, and recovery measures against RSSI.

In its resolution, the PDRRMC cited the SRA status report and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist situational report as of June 23, indicating that of the 190,314 hectares total sugarcane area planted, 61,242 hectares or 32.18 percent have been reported to be affected by the RSSI.

“This is posing a serious threat to the province's sugar industry, agricultural economy, and the livelihood of thousands of sugarcane farmers, farm workers, and other stakeholders,” it added.

The PDRRMC further said that “if left unchecked, it may result in severe economic losses, disruption of agricultural activities, reduction in farmers' income, and adverse effects on the local economy.”

Sagarbarria said on Tuesday that two of the most-affected local government units, Bais City and Mabinay, are also expected to declare a state of calamity.

Sagarbarria pledged to create an anti-RSSI task force and approve the release of P15 million for the province’s immediate response. (With PNA)