THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has earmarked P35 million to fund interventions to curb the spread of the pest infestation ravaging sugarcane plantations in Negros Island and Western Visayas.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the allotted P35 million would bankroll chemical spraying and drone operations, with an initial target covering 25,000 hectares.
This could expand to more than 45,000 hectares should the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation worsen.
Universal Leaf Philippines lent drones for aerial spraying, while the Air Force (PAF) would provide a C-130 ‘Hercules’ aircraft to transport chemicals once supplies are ready. The coverage in Negros Island could reach around 300 hectares daily.
In addition, Tiu Laurel said the DA and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) would distribute P10,000 in cash assistance to each validated affected farmer as immediate relief.
More than 12,300 farmers have already been validated, with the agency seeking additional funding to expand assistance to up to 20,000 beneficiaries.
‘This is about protecting an industry that supports thousands of farmers, workers, and their families,’ said Tiu Laurel.
‘Every hectare we save means protecting livelihoods, preserving sugar production, and keeping one of the country’s most important agricultural industries strong. We intend to act quickly, decisively, and in close partnership with local governments.’
RSSI has been reported to cause severe damage to sugarcane, stunting plant growth and reducing both cane yield and sugar content.
Of the 421,606 hectares planted to sugarcane this crop year, the agency said 93,898 hectares have been affected by RSSI.
It added that 92,295 hectares are situated in the Visayas, particularly Negros Island and Western Visayas. More than 12,700 farmers have already been identified as affected.
Beyond emergency response, the DA and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) have readied memorandum of agreement templates as part of efforts to reduce red tape and ease the provision of aid to planters.
This would allow funds to be downloaded directly to local government units (LGUs) and qualified cooperatives, enabling them to procure chemicals and supplies without lengthy bidding procedures.
The SRA will provide geotagged infestation data, technical assistance, and validated area estimates to guide local interventions.
Furthermore, the agencies urged municipalities, state universities, sugar mills, and farmers’ cooperatives to establish laboratories capable of producing biological control agents, making this standard practice in sugarcane production.
The SRA will provide laboratory designs, technical training, and mother cultures, enabling local facilities to build stockpiles in anticipation of future outbreaks.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said containing the infestation right away is crucial to protecting both farmers and consumers.
‘Our objective is to minimize crop losses, stabilize sugar production, and prevent unnecessary disruptions in supply,’ Azcona said.
‘The faster we do this, the better we can protect farmers’ incomes, sustain milling operations, and help keep sugar prices stable for consumers.’