PHP 1.18 billion sugarcane losses put Iloilo province in calamity

ILOILO CITY — Iloilo province is now under a state of calamity after the 15th Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the declaration during its regular session on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 15, in response to widespread damage to sugarcane plantations caused by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation.

The measure followed the Oct. 13 recommendation of the Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

The measure also followed separate calamity declarations by the local government units (LGUs) of Dueñas, San Enrique, and Passi City, where RSSI infestation reached 98%, 58%, and 99%, respectively.

The three declarations met the requirement of at least three LGUs for a province-wide declaration.

Extent of damage

As of Oct. 5, the infestation had affected 9,491 farmers and 10,342.72 hectares of agricultural land across 27 LGUs, according to the Provincial Agriculture Office.

Estimated production losses reached PHP 1.18 billion.

Of the total losses, PHP 122.47 million involved totally damaged production, while approximately PHP 1.059 billion was attributed to partially damaged crops.

RSSI feeds on the sap of sugarcane plants, weakening crops and potentially causing severe damage during heavy infestations.

Sugarcane planters have estimated that production could decline by 30% to 50% in heavily affected areas.

Funding

Under the declaration, the provincial government can mobilize resources for emergency response and recovery, including access to its Quick Response Fund (QRF), subject to applicable laws and guidelines.

Under Republic Act 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, 30% of a local government’s disaster risk reduction and management fund is set aside as its QRF.

The measure may also facilitate assistance to affected farmers and support expanded interventions to contain the infestation.

The province previously reported PHP 82.96 million in its 30% QRF allocation, PHP 193.57 million under its 70% Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) fund, and PHP 138.76 million in its 2024 and 2025 Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) trust fund.

The MOOE allocation includes PHP 10 million for crop insurance.

Acting Provincial Agriculturist Geron E. Magbanua earlier said the provincial government would initially prioritize regular funds for RSSI interventions while keeping its QRF available for other potential emergencies, including typhoons and the anticipated effects of El Niño.

The Provincial Agriculture Office still had PHP 15 million allocated for RSSI interventions.

Response plans

The province is also preparing financial assistance to help affected farmers purchase agricultural inputs, with aid to be based on damage assessments in their respective municipalities.

Meanwhile, the provincial government plans to establish two to three extension laboratories to expand the production of biological control agents.

Vacant government buildings are being considered for temporary facilities.

The province is prioritizing biological control methods, particularly the use of Metarhizium, a fungus that infects insect pests.

With the declaration in place, the provincial government is expected to strengthen assistance to affected farmers, expand biological pest control, and implement measures to protect the next sugarcane crop from further damage.