STOPPING THE RED-STRIPED SOFT SCALE INSECT

STOPPING THE RED-STRIPED SOFT SCALE INSECT The Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) infestation has become a creeping agricultural disaster, yet it appears that only one agency—the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA)—is bearing the burden of this fight. That begs the question: why is this pest problem being treated as if it were a singular issue when it is clearly a national agricultural crisis? The RSSI, a destructive pest that has already ravaged over 400 hectares of sugarcane plantations, is threatening not only the economy of Negros Island—the heartland of Philippine sugar—but also the country’s overall sugar production and exports. It damages plants by sucking the sap from sugarcane leaves, leaving behind a sticky substance that encourages fungal growth, further degrading the crop. But this is not just the SRA’s problem. Is it not true that the SRA is under the Department of Agriculture (DA)? If so, why isn’t the DA taking the lead in this crisis—not just supporting, but actively mobilizing a multi-agency response? The scale of the infestation already hints at disaster-level proportions. And if that is the case, shouldn’t the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) already be involved? Negros Island alone produces more than 60% of the country's sugar. Its agriculture is the backbone of local economies and employment. Yet local government units (LGUs) in the region have been mostly quiet. Where are the provincial and municipal leaders in this fight? Why hasn’t the problem been escalated to the Regional Development Council (RDC) of the new Negros Island Region (NIR)? This is not just a farming issue—it’s an economic, social, and environmental concern that requires a coordinated regional response. Furthermore, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) should already be on the ground assessing how this infestation could disrupt sugar exports. How will this affect manufacturers of food and beverage products that rely on sugar? What ripple effects will it cause in consumer prices and supply chains? At this point, the SRA must ask for the help of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The agency could bring research, innovation, and technical support to develop smarter and more sustainable pest control methods—perhaps even beyond drone spraying and chemical interventions. Has this issue even reached the attention of the Cabinet? It should. Sugar is not just another crop; it’s an economic pillar, a major export, and an essential input to various food industries. If the damage spreads unchecked, we could be facing a nationwide supply shortfall and inflation in sugar-related goods. Finally, since RSSI has also affected other countries in Asia and beyond, why aren’t we seeking international technical assistance or best practices from those who’ve dealt with similar infestations? We’re not alone in this battle—let’s not act as if we are. The time to act is now. Waiting for this to escalate into a full-blown agricultural emergency will cost us more—not just in pesos, but in livelihoods and national food security. The fight against RSSI must be elevated to a whole-of-government effort before it becomes too late. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 07-04-2025