The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) announced on Monday that it will strictly regulate the movement of planting materials into Negros Island to curb the spread of red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI), a pest threatening the region’s sugar output, reports BusinessWorld.
In a message sent via Viber, the SRA said that all planting materials—whether for commercial use or research—must now be certified by the agency before they can be transported to Negros.
“Research facilities and commercial users will have to seek clearance from the SRA to transport materials,” the agency stated.
The pest outbreak, first declared on May 22, has affected 841 hectares as of June 6, a sharp increase from 546 hectares reported on June 2. Among the affected areas, 42 hectares are severely infested, 99.27 hectares moderately affected, and 667.33 hectares mildly affected.
The SRA earlier requested emergency powers to speed up the procurement and distribution of pesticides, citing delays due to strict audit rules imposed by the Commission on Audit.
Negros Island produces about 60% of the Philippines’ sugar supply, making the outbreak a serious threat to the national industry.
To combat the infestation, the SRA has allocated ₱1.5 million for pesticide purchases while awaiting further assistance from the Department of Agriculture.
