ILOILO CITY — More than 30 percent of Iloilo's sugarcane plantations, or over 7,000 hectares, have been affected by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI), prompting provincial authorities to intensify efforts to contain the pest outbreak.

The worst-hit municipalities are Batad, Carles, Banate, Dingle, and Anilao.

RSSI infestations have also been detected in Badiangan, Balasan, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Bingawan, Calinog, Concepcion, Dueñas, Dumangas, Estancia, Janiuay, Lambunao, Pototan, San Dionisio, San Enrique, San Rafael, and Sara, as well as Passi City.

In response, the Iloilo Provincial Government has strengthened its coordination with the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to curb the spread of the pest through intensified monitoring and surveillance activities.

The Iloilo Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) also convened a meeting with representatives from the SRA, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 6, and other stakeholders to discuss ongoing interventions and formulate strategies to effectively manage the growing RSSI infestation.

Provincial officials said the collaborative effort aims to protect the province's sugar industry and minimize further damage to sugarcane farms as authorities continue monitoring affected areas and implementing appropriate pest management measures.