Quezon Mayor Pablo Lorenzo III (with mic), League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-Bukidnon Chapter president, shares key insights during an emergency meeting on the Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) infestation following its confirmation in parts of Bukidnon. LGU Bukidnon photo
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The provincial government of Bukidnon, in coordination with national agencies, cooperatives, private companies, and local government units, has intensified efforts to prevent the spread of the Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) following infestations in parts of the province.During an emergency meeting on Tuesday, stakeholders, led by the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-Bukidnon Chapter president and Quezon Mayor Pablo Lorenzo III, agreed to strengthen monitoring and reporting systems to ensure prompt action against the pest.
READ: Visayas sugar farm insect infestation prompts emergency meetingThe Department of Agriculture–Regional Crop Protection Center (DA-RCPC 10) confirmed the presence of RSSI in sugarcane farms in the towns of Kitaotao and Quezon, and in Valencia City.Around 53 hectares have already been infested by the highly destructive pest, data from the Bukidnon provincial government showed.Farmers were urged to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspected RSSI infestations to the relevant authorities for assessment and intervention.The meeting comes amid growing concern in the country’s sugar industry.
