CAPIZ — The province of Capiz was placed under a state of calamity on August 10, 2026, following the severe damage caused by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation to sugarcane plantations across the province.
The declaration was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during a special session following the recommendation of Gov. Fredenil H. Castro and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Resolution No. 6, Series of 2026.
The resolution, which recommended the declaration of a state of calamity due to the severe RSSI infestation, was approved on third and final reading through a unanimous vote of the provincial board members.
Data from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) showed that 3,331.61 hectares of sugarcane plantations had been affected by RSSI as of August 10.
A total of 1,819 sugarcane planters in the municipalities of Cuartero, Dao, Dumalag, Dumarao, Jamindan, Maayon, Panitan, Pilar, Pontevedra, President Roxas and Sigma were affected by the infestation.
Provincial officials said the declaration is expected to facilitate a faster and wider government response to the agricultural crisis, including measures to protect farmers’ livelihoods, preserve the province’s agricultural resources and prevent the further spread of the pest.
The provincial government also warned that the infestation could potentially affect other crops, including corn and rice, if it continues to spread.
The state of calamity declaration is expected to enable the provincial government and concerned agencies to intensify interventions against RSSI and provide support to affected farmers.
Provincial officials emphasized that the response is aimed not only at protecting crops but also at safeguarding the livelihoods and future of families dependent on the sugarcane industry./PN
