BACOLOD City — The Negros Occidental provincial government has established a standardized protocol for implementing biological control measures against the Red Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI), a pest threatening the province’s sugar industry.
The protocol is now awaiting the final review and approval of Gov. Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson as part of the provincial government’s intensified efforts to protect sugarcane production through sustainable and science-based pest management.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando P. Diaz II said the protocol was developed just three days after the issuance of Executive Order No. 26-12, Series of 2026, which created the Provincial Biosecurity Task Force for RSSI.
Diaz said the Technical Working Group (TWG) and the Research and Development (R&D) Team promptly presented a comprehensive action plan to address the growing pest infestation.
He said the Provincial Biosecurity Task Force, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), aims to minimize the impact of RSSI during the current crop year, restore affected sugarcane areas, and strengthen preparations for the next planting season.
Diaz also urged sugarcane farmers and other stakeholders to actively participate in monitoring, reporting, and implementing the recommended interventions to help contain the spread of the pest.
Developed in partnership with the SRA, the protocol provides uniform guidelines for all cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental in managing RSSI infestations while reducing dependence on chemical insecticides.
The protocol establishes standardized procedures for field and leaf assessments to accurately determine infestation levels and includes a prioritization system for the distribution of biological control agents. Provincial officials said this will ensure that heavily affected areas receive timely interventions to prevent further outbreaks.
The provincial government emphasized that all RSSI control measures will be guided by field monitoring, scientific data, and continuous surveillance to ensure the long-term protection, sustainability, and productivity of Negros Occidental’s sugar industry./PN
