Iloilo is a step closer to declaring a province-wide state of calamity because of a pest outbreak that has caused an estimated P1.181 billion in damage to sugarcane farms, Panay News reported.
The Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on Tuesday afternoon, October 13, approved a resolution recommending the declaration. It now goes to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, or provincial board, for deliberation and approval.
What Is RSSI?
The outbreak is caused by the Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI). It is a sap-sucking pest that feeds on sugarcane juices and weakens the plants. Heavy infestations reduce both yield and sugar content.
How Bad Is It?
According to Provincial Agriculture Office acting head Geron Magbanua:
- 10,342 hectares of sugarcane affected.
- P1.181 billion in estimated losses.
- 9,491 farmers affected.
- 27 municipalities hit.
Passi City, San Enrique, and Dueñas have already declared their own states of calamity.
Why a Calamity Declaration?
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said a main reason is to unlock financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
During a recent visit to the Capitol, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the agency was ready to help affected farmers, Banias said. However, that aid requires a formal state of calamity.
On October 5, Gatchalian led the distribution of cash aid to 1,163 sugarcane farmers in Passi City. Each received P10,325. The province wants the same help to reach farmers in other towns.
What’s Next
The proposal is now with the provincial board. If approved, it could open the way for more government help for thousands of sugarcane growers.
