Category: Business Mirror

Rep. Nathaniel Oducado of 1Tahanan Party-list has filed a proposed measure which aims to create Agricultural Pension Program for the country’s farmers and fishermen.

Oducado said that House Bill No. 5009, also known as Pensyonadong Magsasaka at Mangingisda, seeks to create an agricultural pension program to provide long-overdue social security and pension benefits to the country’s farmers and fisherfolk.

The lawmaker pointed out that despite being the backbone of national food security, farmers and fishermen remain among the poorest in the country.

He said that in 2023, poverty incidence was recorded at 27.0 percent among farmers and 27.4 percent among fisherfolk, placing them among the top three poorest sectors in the country. Unlike workers in the formal sector, they are largely excluded from the national social security system, leaving them vulnerable in times of old age, illness, or disability.

Oducado pointed out that the proposed measure will establish a comprehensive pension and social security program, while also offering an educational scholarship to the legitimate and legally adopted sons and daughters of registered farmer and fisherfolk beneficiaries – with reasonable allowances for supplies and other academic needs.

‘This aims not only to secure their present welfare but also to break the cycle of poverty by ensuring access to quality education,’ he said.

‘Farmers and fisherfolk play an essential role in our survival and national development. It is only right that the State ensures a decent quality of life, reliable retirement support, and opportunities for their children’s future,’ Oducado also said.

The bill highlights real-life stories like that of Mang Romeo, a farmer from Nueva Ecija who, at 70, continues to toil in the fields, but despite decades of service receives no retirement support from the government.

‘His experience mirrors the plight of millions who, without social protection, are forced to work well into their senior years,’ Oducado stressed.

‘With this program, we want to give dignity, security, and hope to those who feed our nation,’ Oducado added.

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) may see faster inflation in September, but local economists believe this is not enough reason to exit its easing cycle when the Monetary Board meets next week.

On Wednesday, the BSP said it projects that September 2025 inflation will settle within the range of 1.5 to 2.3 percent. If the high end of the outlook is reached, this will be the second fastest inflation on record this year.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will release the latest inflation print on October 7, ahead of the October 9 policy meeting at the BSP.

‘Upward price pressures for the month are likely to arise from higher prices of rice and fish. Elevated domestic fuel costs likewise contribute to upside price pressures for the month,’ the BSP said.

‘These pressures could be partially offset by the decline in vegetables and meat prices along with lower electricity rates,’ it added.

Ateneo de Manila University economist Luis F. Dumlao told BusinessMirror on Wednesday that the inflation projection was still within the 2 to 4 percent inflation target of the BSP.

This means, Dumlao said, the BSP has ‘space to be dovish.’ He said any reduction in policy rates will help support the country’s GDP growth.

Dumlao said the country’s GDP growth is growing slower than its natural growth of around 6.2 percent. Reducing policy rates can help boost the country’s economic performance this year.

‘The only way they will raise interest is if they see inflationary pressure over 4 percent the next 6 months,’ Dumlao told this newspaper.

Should the BSP decide to reduce rates next week, Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at professional services firm Reyes Tacandong and Co., said the impact on the economy could last for a year.

Ravelas said the Monetary Board is expected to maintain policy rates in December, unless there is another reduction in United States Federal Reserve rate cuts.

He also does not see any off cycles and increases in policy rates any time soon. However, former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Dante B. Canlas said that if there is a surge in inflation in September due to the recent typhoons, there is a chance for an off cycle.

‘The MB [Monetary Board] may still stick to its announced plan to cut interest rates. The GDP growth is at risk; ADB [Asian Development Bank], for example, downsized already its GDP growth forecast for the Philippines,’ Canlas said.

Meanwhile, HSBC Asean economist Aris Dacanay likened the BSP’s careful calibration of monetary policy to how a driver parks his or her car.

In Filipino parlance, this is atras-abante which literally means backward-forward, actions needed to move a car to fit parking spaces with exact dimensions.

‘As the BSP nears the end of its easing cycle, finding the right monetary stance has become an exercise of making small adjustments. Like parking one’s car, calibrations to monetary policy will likely be made in increments based on marginal movements of the data on hand,’ Dacanay said. ‘We think the BSP’s monetary policy decision on the 9th of October will be a tough call between a hawkish cut or a dovish hold.’

Given this, Dacanay said he is penciling in a rate hold next week, which means BSP will keep its policy rate at 5 percent. At this point, he said, this data is limited on whether the economy is slowing.

He noted that consumer vehicle purchases are falling and government capital spending is tightening while goods exports are holding. Dacanay said domestic demand has also been firm with the imports of capital and consumer goods both steady.

Further, Dacanay said inflation risks should be considered, given that core inflation increased 2.7 percent and headline inflation at 1.5 percent. He said inflationary pressures are expected to persist due to typhoons Nando and Bualoi.

THE country’s earnings from coconut-based products surged by 44 percent to over $2.2 billion as of August, as supply constraints pushed prices.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the value of coconut-based exports leaped to $2.26 billion as of the end of August from $1.57 billion a year ago.

Shipments of coconut oil led the product group among other products, as it jumped by 43 percent to $1.83 billion in the reference period from $1.28 billion last year.

Industry sources said coconut oil prices have been on an upswing, propelled by tight supply from major producing countries due to adverse weather effects and the spike in quotations for other vegetable oils.

Historical figures from the World Bank showed that the average price of coconut oil skyrocketed to a record $2,771 per metric ton (MT) in July.

If this trend continues, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) said the country’s export receipts from coconut oil alone will hit a new record high in 2025.

Such an outlook stemmed from growing demand and surging prices of the tropical oil in the world market. Last year, coconut oil earnings grew to $2.22 billion.

The World Bank expects coconut oil products to average at $1,800 per MT this year, higher than the average price of $1,519 per MT posted in 2024.

Meanwhile, the country’s outbound shipments of desiccated coconut skyrocketed by 75 percent to $323.52 million in January to August from $185.15 million in the previous year.

Export revenues of other coconut products also grew by 45 percent to $75.82 million from $52.49 million.

However, earnings from the outbound shipments of copra meal or cake slumped by 45 percent to $26.49 million from $48.08 million.

The United Coconut Association of the Philippines (Ucap) recently said export receipts from coconut-based products could hit as high as $3 billion in 2026 on the back of an expected rebound in output.

Meanwhile, PSA data also indicated that the country’s exports of fruits and vegetables during the reference period jumped by 21.3 percent to $1.9 billion from $1.55 billion.

Outbound shipments of bananas led the category, rising by 29 percent to $1.05 billion from last year’s $818.37 million, based on PSA data.

Exports of pineapple juice grew by 32.5 percent to $92.1 million from $69.5 million a year ago. However, shipments of canned pineapple dropped by 0.8 percent to $141.88 million from $143.06 million.

With over 19,000 learners affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara assured parents and teachers that education will continue as immediate emergency measures are being addressed.

Angara stressed that the Department of Education (DepEd) will rely primarily on modular learning, the most practical mode for communities with damaged classrooms or limited connectivity.

Policies on lesson packets and the Dynamic Learning Program are also set to be finalized next week, with emergency funds for learning materials to be released right after, the DepEd said.

The DepEd Learning Systems Strand (LSS) is also coordinating with Schools Division Superintendents for context-specific interventions once immediate emergency measures are addressed.

To minimize lost school days, estimated at about one month in the hardest-hit areas, DepEd will also establish Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) in Bogo and nearby Cebu towns to prioritize early grade learners and resume limited face-to-face classes sooner.

‘Bayanihan ang susi. Dapat mabilis ang aksyon ng lahat para mas mabilis din makakabalik ang ating mga guro at mag-aaral sa normal na klase,’ Angara said.

On Thursday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Angara, and other national government officials on visited Bogo, Cebu to provide immediate assistance and assess the impact of the earthquake that damaged thousands of classrooms and communities.

Marcos led the situation briefing together with Angara and other Cabinet Secretaries, including Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, , Public Works Vince Dizon, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, and Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. They also assessed the City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy, one of the hardest-hit campuses, where at least three buildings were not declared safe for occupancy.

Damaged classrooms

As of 11 p.m. on October 1, the DepEd reported 5,587 classrooms sustained minor damage, 803 major damage, and 1,187 were totally destroyed in Cebu schools. There were 950 teaching and non-teaching personnel affected.

‘Sa gitna ng trahedya, kailangan mas maagap tayong tumulong para hind rin maputol ang pag-aaral ng ating mga mag-aaral. Habang inaayos ang mga paaralan, agad tayong maghahatid ng alternatibong paraan upang may gabay, pag-asa, at direksyon silang mahahawakan,’ Angara said.

Subject to further validation by field offices, a vetted list will then be endorsed for joint DepEd-Depatment of Public Works and Highways validation to determine costs.

The department noted that reconstruction funds will be downloaded immediately.

Recovery kit

The DepEd chief also distributed nearly 90 EduKahon teaching and learning recovery kit.

DepEd also said that those in affected areas declared under a state of calamity may avail of Special Emergency Leave under CSC rules.

The DepEd added that unaffected regions are mobilizing resources to extend support, including financial aid, to affected teachers.

GEOPOLITICAL unrest in places like Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Nepal, Japan, the USA, and across Europe may disrupt supply chains through protests, regulatory shifts, and ‘unstable’ governments, according to a report published by global logistics provider Dimerco Express Group.

‘These events can lead to port slowdowns, border delays, and unpredictable sourcing changes, especially in labor, raw materials, and transport logistics,’ Dimerco’s Asia Pacific Freight report for October 2025 noted.

October is a ‘turning point’ for global logistics, according to Kathy Liu, Vice President for Global Sales and Marketing at Dimerco Express Group, as this month is hounded by ‘peak-season demand, layered with geopolitical uncertainty and tariff changes.’

These developments, she pointed out, are creating ‘one of the most complex supply chain environments we’ve seen in years.’

As such, she advised businesses to ‘stay agile, plan early, and diversify their logistics strategies to mitigate disruptions.’

Dimerco said the October report highlights growing geopolitical risks-including protests, regulatory changes and trade negotiations ‘that could further destabilize supply chain operations.’

The global logistics provider said these are the developments along the supply chain that countries should watch out for, on top of the rising freight rates amid peak season.

In the case of the Philippines, goods being shipped through the seas may be slapped with higher freight rates in October 2025.

Dimerco’s freight report showed that ocean freight rates imposed on Philippine cargo bound for Asia, Europe and the United States are seen to rise this month.

As to the capacity of this cargo, the report said market is picking up, but demand of space can still be met by current supply.

In terms of the rates that may apply on Philippine cargo being shipped by air, the freight report divulged that only products bound for the United States may see rising freight rates.

Air freight rate for goods transported bound for Asia will remain stable in October with ‘soft’ capacity, meaning supply is greater than demand. Meanwhile, Philippine goods bound for Europe will see stable air freight rate but capacity is on an upturn, meaning, market is picking up but demand of space can still be met by current supply.

For the air freight market of the Philippines, Dimerco cautioned that with La Niña expected to begin in October 2025, this may affect flight operations and cause temporary road closures.

Moreover, the report said: ‘Peak-season imports of holiday goods and year-end inventory may cause localized short-term capacity constraints and higher rates in late October to early November.’

Liu, Dimerco’s Vice President for Global Sales and Marketing, explained that September to November is always the peak season for air freight.

‘This year, demand growth is more focused on Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore,’ Liu said.

‘With high-tech, AI, and semiconductor production increasing in these countries, more finished goods are being shipped out. As a result, we expect capacity pressure at major transit hubs including Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Korea,’ she also noted.

THE Western Union Co. decided to launch its mobile app to cash in on the Philippine inbound-market for remittances, which executives of the money transfer company see as remaining robust.

Gregory Laurent, director at Western Union Financial Services. (Australia) Pty Ltd, told reporters last Wednesday that the Philippines is the fourth-largest inbound market in terms of remittances. Averaging $36 billion annually, this market has been growing steadily year after year, according to Laurent.

‘It is a very successful market, and I think the company is doing the right thing to serve overseas in every country where they have presence,’ he said during the launch of the company’s mobile app in the country.

Laurent said they expect the app to be a growth engine based on the company’s experience in other economies. He cited the feature of the app, which combines digital and retail, making the value proposition in a very competitive environment.

‘Today’s launch marks an important milestone in our effort[s],’ Laurent said. ‘For many in the country, remittances represent a life with more opportunity and hope. At the same time, an increasing number of Filipinos opt to send funds abroad.’

He said the firm’s new app ‘gives the opportunity to do both.’

Ricardo Alair, Western Union Director for the Philippines, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and Palau, noted that the digitization in the Philippines is fast paced.

Laurent credited regulator’s ‘huge’ support to promote innovation as enabling such momentum.

‘For us, it was actually an obvious choice to take the Philippines as a market to launch this new receiver environment,’ he said.

‘I think we are actually hoping that this is going to be super successful,’ Alair added.

Laurent said Western Union received a ‘warm response’ from the market considering the app was launched only ‘a couple of weeks ago.’ He noted there was traction already on the volume.

He said it took Western Union a longer time to enter the local market as the licensing took a bit longer for approval.

‘We took our time, but we are hopeful that this is the right product,’ Alair said.

‘We did receive support from the regulator as well. And then the second reason is, maybe, in terms of a roadmap across the organization, we had to wait for a fast spot to develop the app,’ Laurent explained. ‘Thirdly, we really took time to think about this experience wisely. We took time to make sure that we had the most efficient experience.’

According to him, the Denver, Colorado-headquartered company is looking at expanding its digital footprint from the current 80 countries.

According to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, remittances to the Philippines reached an all-time high of $38 billion last year. Further, the World Bank ranked the Philippines as the fourth-highest remittance levels among low-middle and middle-income countries last year. The biggest source of cash remittances last year was the United States, followed by Singapore.

IT is easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others. We look at colleagues who seem to be climbing the ladder faster, friends who appear to have more exciting lives, or neighbors whose families look perfect. Social media adds to the pressure. In just a few minutes of scrolling we can find ourselves asking why our lives do not look as polished as what we see online. The truth is that constant comparison is draining and it steals the joy that could be found in our own journey.

One way to avoid this trap is to remind yourself that what you see is rarely the full picture. A friend may post photos from a beach trip but you do not see the months of stress that led to that short break. A coworker may receive recognition at work but you do not see the late nights or personal struggles behind the achievement. Social media is often a highlight reel. Remembering that no one shares everything helps you keep perspective.

Another helpful approach is to practice gratitude. When you notice yourself feeling envious of someone else, pause and list three things you are grateful for in your own life. These do not have to be grand or extraordinary. It could be as simple as having a meal you enjoyed, a friend who listened to you, or a small task you managed to finish today. Gratitude brings your attention back to what is already working for you instead of focusing on what you think you lack.

You can also set personal goals that are based on your own values rather than on what others are doing. For example, instead of thinking that you must earn as much as a certain classmate, focus on what financial stability means for your situation. If your goal is to save enough to cover three months of expenses, then reaching that goal should be the measure of your progress. When goals are personal and meaningful, you are less likely to compare them with the achievements of others.

Limiting exposure to triggers is another practical step. If you notice that certain online accounts always make you feel worse, consider muting or unfollowing them. If you find yourself repeatedly comparing your home or possessions to those of a neighbor, spend less time looking at what they have and more time improving what is within your reach. You cannot control what others post or own, but you can control what you allow yourself to consume and dwell on.

It also helps to celebrate small wins. If you cooked a new dish for the first time, give yourself credit. If you finished a report ahead of schedule, acknowledge the effort. If you made it through a stressful week, recognize your resilience. These small celebrations create a habit of valuing your progress and make you less dependent on comparing yourself to others.

Surrounding yourself with supportive people also makes a difference. When you are with friends or family who encourage you, you feel less the need to prove yourself. A circle that appreciates you for who you are helps remind you that you are valued, even without constant comparison. Choose to spend more time with people who uplift you rather than those who compete with you.

More importantly, practicing self-compassion is vital because it shapes the way you respond to your own shortcomings and challenges. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and no one is perfect. Instead of criticizing yourself for not being like someone else, learn to acknowledge your efforts and accept that mistakes are part of growth. Treat yourself the way you would treat a friend who has fallen short of a goal by reminding them of their accomplishments, encouraging them to keep going, and assuring them that setbacks do not define their worth. Offering yourself the same patience and understanding helps you recover faster, stay motivated, and build resilience.

Avoiding the trap of constant comparison does not mean ignoring the achievements of others. It means appreciating them without turning them into a measure of your own worth. You can admire someone’s talent without believing that yours is less valuable. You can be inspired by a friend’s success without feeling that you are failing. Life is not a race where only one person can win. Each person is on a different path with different challenges and different blessings.

The next time you catch yourself scrolling through social media or admiring someone else’s success, pause and remind yourself that you are only seeing part of the story. Shift your focus back to your own journey and notice how far you have come, even in small ways that are easy to overlook. Appreciate the blessings already present in your life, set goals that reflect your own values, and give yourself credit for both big and small wins. When you choose to celebrate your progress instead of comparing it to others, you create room to live more fully, with a sense of peace that comes from walking your own path with clarity and gratitude.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has signed partnership deals with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), as well as two Japanese companies, for the development and promotion of projects supporting green energy transition, and environmental and social sustainability.

BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang formalized the agreements with Japanese partners last September 30 at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo during its four-day official mission to Japan, the BCDA said in a statement on Wednesday.

The agency said the agreements ‘signify the strong economic relations between the Japanese and Philippine governments’ and show Japanese confidence in its capacity to drive sustainable development, foster innovation, and implement transformative projects across BCDA-managed economic zones.

Under a memorandum of agreement (MOU) signed with JBIC Managing Executive Officer and Global Head of Infrastructure and Environment Finance Hiroki Sekine, JBIC will help reinforce the BCDA’s relations with the Japanese business community and promote Japanese companies’ participation in BCDA’s green and sustainable initiatives.

The Japanese financial institution has also expressed its willingness to consider strategic funding options to support such sustainable development projects, BCDA said.

In the same occasion, Bingcang also signed MOUs with industrial and engineering firm Kanadevia Corporation (KVC) and telecommunications firms IPS Inc. and InfiniVAN Inc.

KVC will conduct of preliminary feasibility studies on the development of a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, a project that BCDA said ‘aligns with the goal of transforming New Clark City into a green and resilient metropolis by introducing sustainable solutions and fostering a circular economy.’

Meanwhile, IPS Inc. and InfiniVAN Inc. will explore potential collaborative projects that will maximize the utilization of BCDA’s information and communications technology (ICT) assets in the Poro Point Freeport Zone in La Union and other BCDA-administered zones.

‘This will contribute to the implementation of the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure Program by ensuring that high-speed internet connectivity reaches local communities and benefits Filipinos,’ BCDA said.

Bingcang said the collaboration projects with Japanese partners are expected to ‘deliver direct benefits to Filipinos by creating jobs, attracting investments, and improving quality of life.’

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene de Joya Garcia-Albano, who witnessed the signing of MOUs, said the agreements ‘represent a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.’

‘We are confident that these MOUs will pave the way for more meaningful business opportunities, foster stronger partnerships, and deliver tangible benefits not only to the companies involved but also to the broader Philippine-Japan economic relationship,’ Garcia-Albano said.

The BCDA also said its delegation will also meet with officials of the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development to align directions and strategies for the development of New Clark City.

The BCDA team will also visit the Shinagawa Waste-to-Energy Plant to benchmark operations and observe the management and technical aspects of the facilities before it wraps up its mission on October 3.

The agricultural damage caused by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon surged to more than P2.5 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday.

In its latest report, the DA noted that the losses incurred by 85,671 farmers and fishers have reached P2.51 billion, with the volume of production damage across 11 regions pegged at 186,253 metric tons (MT).

Rice bore the brunt of the damage caused by the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and typhoons Mirasol, Nando, and Opong at 134,901 MT.

High-value crops, corn, and cassava also sustained damage at 32,470 MT, 18,871 MT, and 10 MT, respectively.

The report said the value of production losses is P1.51 billion for rice, P705.12 million for high-value crops, P278.14 million for corn, P8.12 million for livestock and poultry, and P260,000 for cassava.

Agriculture infrastructure also sustained damages amounting to P4.72 million; irrigation facilities, P3.28 million; and machinery and equipment, P143,000.

The DA said 74,689 hectares of agricultural areas were affected by the storms and habagat. Of these, 66,967 hectares have a chance to recover.

The agency said it has allocated P766.42 million in agricultural inputs, including rice, corn, and vegetable seeds that would help those affected by typhoons. Drugs and biologics for livestock were also included.

The DA said it offers loans of up to P25,000 through the Survival and Recovery loan program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). These loans come with a three-year repayment term, interest-free.

It also noted that an initial amount of P237 million for the indemnification of insured affected farmers would also be released through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC).

The DA recently said it continues to gather field reports from areas affected by severe tropical storm Opong, which recently swept through key agricultural zones in central Philippines, including the islands of Mindoro and Masbate.

Last month, the agency revised downward its palay production forecast for 2025 to 20.3 million metric tons (MMT).

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced the revised forecast for paddy rice output in 2025 during a recent hearing on the agency’s budget at the House of Representatives.

‘We revised our target from what we can see until the end of this year. We slightly lowered it to 20.3 MMT.’

The latest figure is lower than the agency’s initial projection of 20.45 MMT. However, this is around 300,000 metric tons (MT) more than the record 20.06 MMT output in 2023.

The country’s rice production fell by nearly a million tons to 19.09 MMT last year as El Niño ravaged plantations.

Because of the supply shortfall caused by the drought, the country’s rice imports reached an all-time high of 4.8 MMT last year.

THE country’s raw sugar production could fall below two million metric tons (MMT) in the new crop year as torrential downpours and pest infestation battered plantations in Negros.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) issued Sugar Order 1, where it indicated that raw sugar output in the crop year 2025-2026 could decline by nearly 8 percent to 1.92 MMT from the previous crop year’s 2.085 MMT.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona told the BusinessMirror that the projected outlook in the upcoming crop year, set to begin on October 1, stemmed from excessive rainfall in Negros, which accounts for over 60 percent of the country’s sugar production.

The agency noted that the initial forecast could further decrease owing to the potential impact of red-striped soft-scale insects (RSSI) infestation on yield.

‘It’s an estimate based on the heavy rainfall experienced in the north of Negros, and [there] might be a small drop considering the presence of RSSI,’ Azcona told this newspaper.

Under the SO 1, the raw sugar allocation for the new crop year would be classified as ‘B,’ which means all sugar produced until September 30 next year will be sold for domestic consumption.

The SRA said the agency has been classifying sugar output as ‘B’ since 2022 because the country’s production is still below the requirement of the domestic market.

While the impact of RSSI on sugar content was the easiest to monitor, he raised a caveat that the infestation’s impact could potentially trickle into the cane’s growth.

‘In the North, they said canes that were infected at their early stage didn’t seem to grow. So, maybe there’s also an effect on tonnage,’ Azcona said.

With the latest findings, the SRA chief noted that the agency now expects raw sugar output to fall by around 10 percent.

‘We reduced [our forecast] a bit and then we’re leaving room plus or minus a few percentage points, give or take about 10 percent, just in case the infestation can’t be curbed,’ he said.

‘Our fear is that once the milling starts, the sugarcanes will be going around all over Negros. There’s a high chance that the infestation will affect more areas.’

Azcona said the pest has infected around 6,600 hectares of sugar plantations nationwide as of mid-September, with the infestation in Negros Island accounting for the lion’s share at 4,200 hectares.