Bacolod City has been placed under a state of calamity due to the effects of the Red Stripe Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) infestation at sugarcane plantations.

Based on data gathered by the City Council’s Committee on Agriculture, damage caused by the infestation to the city has reached P200 million.

The insects have also destroyed up to 2,000 hectares of sugarcane.

Up to 300 farmers affected by the infestation hope to receive financial aid from the local government.

According to Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, head of the committee on agriculture, they have received initial data from the Sugar Regulatory Administration and Department of Agriculture, which the city can refer to in utilizing its quick response fund fully.

Earlier, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed aid to sugarcane farmers in Negros Occidental affected by the infestation in Negros Island Region.

The two provinces in the region, Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental, have declared a state of calamity.

Spraying operations have been undertaken at sugarcane plantations in the hope of containing the infestation.

The sap-sucking insects excrete a sticky dew that promotes mold growth, which blocks photosynthesis and, eventually, kill the sugarcane plants.

Read related story: Insects infesting, killing sugarcane plants in Negros Island https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/114899/insects-infesting-killing-sugarcane-plants-in-negros-island/story/