Members of the Provincial Community Defense Cluster, together with the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office VI, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), sugar millers, and sugarcane planters, convened on Tuesday, July 28, to discuss the current Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) infestation and strengthen the province's response to protect agricultural crops in Iloilo.
The meeting focused on the latest RSSI situation, ongoing interventions, data validation, and additional control and preventive measures to help minimize the pest's impact across the province.
Officials explained that while RSSI primarily affects sugarcane, the pest can also infest corn and coconut plants, posing a wider threat to Iloilo's agricultural sector.
As of July 20, 2026, Iloilo has a total of 20,749.88 hectares of sugarcane plantations, with 7,021.00 hectares already affected by RSSI.
To address the infestation, the Provincial Agriculture Office, the SRA, and partner agencies continue to coordinate field monitoring, surveillance activities, and regular reporting in affected municipalities. Chemical and biological control measures are being implemented, while farmers are provided with education and extension services to promote safe and effective pest management practices. Data collection and validation are also being conducted with the SRA Extension Services Division–Visayas to ensure accurate infestation mapping and response tracking. The province has likewise started using drone-assisted application of biological control agents and foliar fertilizers in affected areas.
The Provincial Community Defense Cluster also discussed the implementation of a damage classification system for affected farms. Under the proposed system, crop damage will be categorized as Slight (less than 10% crop damage), Moderate (11–30%), Severe (31–60%), and Extreme (more than 60%).
Municipalities will also be classified into damage zones based on 50 hectares of validated areas per municipality. Yellow Zone refers to municipalities with less than 20% severe and extreme damage, Orange Zone covers 20–49%, while Red Zone includes municipalities with 50% or more severe and extreme damage. All validated data will be encoded and monitored through the Provincial Spatial Decision Information System (PSDIS) to support timely decision-making and response efforts.
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