ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo provincial government has shifted its response into “disaster mode” as the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation threatens the province’s sugarcane industry.

At least 7,021 hectares of sugarcane plantations have been affected out of the province’s 20,749.88-hectare sugarcane area, prompting authorities to accelerate containment measures.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said the infestation requires an urgent response because RSSI is a relatively new threat and the province has yet to establish fully institutionalized protocols and biosecurity measures.

“It is alarming; that is why we are now in disaster mode,” Defensor said.

The Provincial Agriculture Office has completed a proposed protocol that Defensor plans to formalize through an executive order.

One immediate measure is to regulate the movement of sugarcane planting materials, particularly from identified infested areas.

Defensor said the provincial government has a zoning map showing where the pest has been detected and the extent of affected areas, allowing authorities to implement targeted containment and biosecurity measures.

“We will formulate protocols and implement biosecurity measures for RSSI, and we will see what assistance we can give to the industry,” he said.

The five municipalities with the highest reported infestation are Batad, Carles, Banate, Dingle and Anilao. Other affected areas are Lambunao, Pototan, San Dionisio, San Enrique, San Rafael, Sara, Balasan, Bingawan, Estancia and Passi City.

The provincial government is also exploring assistance for affected farmers and may coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for support to affected families.