Columbio, Sultan Kudarat – Government agencies joined forces on September 8–9, 2026 to execute a biological control spraying operation aimed at curbing the persistent Red Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) infestation in local sugarcane plantations.
Led by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office XII (DA-RFO XII), the intervention was conducted in partnership with the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat through its Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, and the Municipal Government of Columbio through its Office of the Municipal Agriculturist.
The intervention aims to contain the spread of RSSI, reduce pest-related damage, and protect sugarcane production and the livelihoods of farmers affected by the infestation. The activity forms part of DA-RFO XII’s immediate response to the emerging pest concern, with concerned agencies working together to implement appropriate and coordinated pest management measures in affected areas.
Neil C. Doton, DVM, Chief of the Regulatory Division of DA-RFO XII, emphasized that controlling the infestation requires not only immediate intervention but also sustained monitoring and cooperation among stakeholders. “Hindi lamang ito tungkol sa pag-kontrol sa peste, kundi sa pagpigil sa patuloy nitong pagkalat at pagprotekta sa kabuhayan ng ating sugarcane farmers. Mahalaga ang maagap na monitoring, tamang pest management practices, at koordinasyon ng lahat ng concerned stakeholders upang maging epektibo ang ating intervention laban sa RSSI,” Dr. Doton underscored. .
John B. Pascual, DVM, DA-RFO XII Regional Executive Director, underscored the importance of science-based and coordinated interventions in protecting the region’s sugarcane industry. “We recognize the urgency of protecting our sugarcane farmers from pests that can threaten both their production and livelihood. Through biological control and close coordination with our partners, we are strengthening our response while promoting approaches that are practical, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of our farmers,” Pascual said.
The use of biological control agents forms part of an integrated pest management approach that seeks to manage pest populations while supporting more sustainable agricultural practices. The intervention is complemented by field monitoring and the adoption of appropriate pest management measures in affected sugarcane areas.
Through the joint efforts of DA-RFO XII, SRA, PLGU of Sultan Kudarat, MLGU of Columbio, and sugarcane farmers, the agencies aim to strengthen early detection, improve pest management practices, and prevent the further spread of RSSI to other production areas.
The initiative also highlights the importance of farmer participation in pest surveillance and management. Farmers are encouraged to immediately report suspected pest infestations and work closely with agricultural technicians and concerned agencies to facilitate timely assessment and intervention.
DA-RFO XII, together with its partner agencies and local stakeholders, remains committed to protecting sugarcane production and safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers across SOCCSKSARGEN through science-based, coordinated, and farmer-centered agricultural interventions. (Nichole Paul B. Agapay)
The DA-RFO XII, in collaboration with the Sugar Regulatory Administration and the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist of Columbio, conducted a ceremonial spraying of biological control agents on September 8–9, 2026, to address the continuing infestation of Red Striped Soft Scale Insect in sugarcane plantations in the municipality.