ILOILO – A destructive insect infestation has swept through nearly 10,000 hectares of sugarcane plantations in Iloilo, threatening this year’s sugar production and the livelihoods of more than 9,400 farmers, with Passi City becoming the first local government unit (LGU) in the province to declare a state of calamity.
Data from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) showed that as of September 3, 2026, almost 10,000 hectares out of Iloilo’s total 13,409 hectares of sugarcane plantations had been affected by the Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI).
The infestation has hit Passi City, San Enrique, Anilao, Dueñas, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Dingle, Calinog and Janiuay particularly hard.
Passi recorded 2,286 hectares of affected sugarcane farms involving 2,646 farmers, followed by San Enrique with 1,428 hectares and 2,228 farmers, and Anilao with 1,414 hectares and 1,264 farmers.
The OPA said most of the affected sugarcane crops were already eight to nine months old and nearing harvest, raising fears that the widespread infestation would reduce Iloilo’s sugar production this year.
The provincial agriculture office has reminded sugarcane growers to strictly observe protocols and biosecurity measures to prevent RSSI from spreading further, particularly through the transport of infected sugarcane planting materials or “patdan.”
PASSI UNDER STATE OF CALAMITY
With the infestation hitting almost all its barangays, Passi City became the first LGU in Iloilo to declare a state of calamity because of RSSI.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod recently approved Resolution No. 2026-179 declaring the state of calamity.
“The City Government of Passi has been placed under a State of Calamity through Resolution No. 2026-179 due to the impact of the Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) infestation on the city’s sugarcane industry and affected farmers,” the city government said.
Of Passi City’s 51 barangays, 49 have been affected by the infestation, impacting 3,136 sugarcane farmers.
The city government is coordinating with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), Iloilo Provincial Government and other concerned agencies to sustain monitoring and containment efforts.
It also assured affected farmers of assistance while measures are undertaken to protect Passi’s sugarcane industry.
PROVINCE MOBILIZES AID
The Iloilo Provincial Board has also moved to address the worsening infestation and its economic impact on farming communities.
During its regular session on September 1, Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque introduced Resolution No. 2026-873 addressing the growing RSSI threat to the province’s sugarcane areas and communities dependent on the industry.
The resolution calls for the proper assessment of affected areas, appropriate local interventions and assistance for farmers, workers and families whose livelihoods have been disrupted.
Among the possible interventions are food, livelihood, employment, cash-for-work and skills assistance for farmers and workers who have lost jobs, wages or income because of the infestation.
The provincial government may also facilitate assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development for qualified families, help eligible sugarcane farmers access Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation coverage, and strengthen coordination with national government agencies for technical support.
OPA data showed that 9,432 sugarcane farmers across Iloilo have been affected by RSSI./PN
