Visayas sugar farm insect infestation prompts emergency meeting

Technicians from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) in Bukidnon inspect sugarcane plants confirmed to be infested with red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI). Sugar producers and Negros Occidental officials are holding an emergency meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, to address the RSSI infestation. SRA Bukidnon photo

BACOLOD CITY—A massive insect infestation threatening thousands of hectares of sugarcane plantations in the Visayas has prompted an emergency meeting between sugar producers and Negros Occidental officials on Tuesday, June 23.

United Sugar Producers Federation (UNIFED) President Manuel Lamata said the federation will meet with Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and officials of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to address the rapid spread of the Red Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI).

Lamata said the infestation is expanding at an alarming rate, with affected areas doubling almost weekly, raising fears among sugar planters—particularly small farmers—over the potential impact on their crops and livelihoods.

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