India, Sept. 23 -- Local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental are rallying behind the Sugar Regulatory Administration's (SRA) initiative to combat the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI), which threatens the province's sugarcane farms.

A statement released Tuesday said Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria committed the province's support during a technical discussion initiated by the SRA with provincial and municipal officials recently.

"The provincial government will actively work with SRA to implement pest management strategies and mobilize resources to safeguard our sugar industry," Sagarbarria was quoted in the statement.

He noted that sugar is a "vital economic driver and livelihood source for thousands of Negrenses".

The meeting, orga...