The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has intensified its collaboration with Hawaiian-Philippine Company (HPCo) to combat the Red Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI), a destructive pest threatening sugarcane production in Negros Occidental, through its organic and eco-friendly pest management solution.
During a site visit on September 6, SRA Administrator and CEO Pablo Luis Azcona expressed full support for HPCo’s initiative, which focuses on a biological control approach aimed at suppressing RSSI populations while safeguarding beneficial insects essential to the ecological balance of sugarcane farms.
“Through this partnership, we’re not just solving today’s pest problem — we’re laying the groundwork for sustainable farming practices that will benefit generations of sugarcane farmers in Negros and beyond,” Azcona said.
“Our protocol focuses on disrupting pest growth and suppressing reproduction, without harming beneficial insects,” said Rodeo Suating, HPCo Co-Gen Head and Regulatory Compliance Officer.”
HPCo Chairman Paul Andrew Curran affirmed the company’s commitment to roll out the program across its mill district, in partnership with local government units and planters’ associations.
“Through this partnership, we’re not just solving today’s pest problem — we’re laying the groundwork for sustainable farming practices that will benefit generations of sugarcane farmers in Negros and beyond,” Azcona said.*