Negros Oriental has declared a state of calamity after insects have infested the sugarcane plantations in the province.

Based on data from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), the insects have infested an estimated 17,000 hectares of sugarcane plantation in the province.

Up to 78,000 hectares of plantations are affected in the entire Negros Island Region (NIR).

The infestation of the Red Stripe Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) has led to sugarcanes dying.

The sap-sucking insects excrete a sticky dew that promotes mold growth, which blocks photosynthesis. 

This prompted Governor Manuel Sagarbarria to ask the Provincial Board to declare a state of calamity.

The Board approved the resolution on the state of calamity on its regular session on July 20, 2026.

Board Member Woodrow Maquiling said the declaration of a state of calamity would enable the province to use its quick response fund from its calamity fund to help the farmers affected by the situation.

“Perting daghana kaayo so nakahatag nnig dako kaayong problema. Sabi ng gobernador, para magamit niya ang Quick Response Fund, so mao to, nihangyo siya sa Panlalawigan gahapon nga ideklarar ang probinsiya sa State of Calamity,” Maquiling said.

Maquiling is the chairperson of the Board’s Committee on Agriculture.

The province will use the money to buy pesticide, as well as to provide the farmers with cash assistance.

In an open letter, the National Congress of Union in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines - Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (NACUSIP-TUCP) has said it is better if the local government can provide farmers with direct cash assistance and science-based mitigation.