Negros Occidental 6th District Representative and Deputy Speaker Mercedes Alvarez is backing improvements to Central Philippines State University’s (CPSU) existing biological laboratory as researchers pursue greener ways to combat the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) affecting sugarcane plantations.
In a Facebook post, Alvarez said she would support efforts to improve the CPSU’s existing biolab, which could strengthen the university’s research on biological control and other sustainable approaches to managing crop pests.
One of the biological control options gaining attention is the earwig, or “sipit-sipit,” which is among the bioinsects being considered in the fight against RSSI.
Alvarez said laboratory observations by the University of the Philippines Los Baños–National Crop Protection Center (UPLB-NCPC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) showed that earwigs prey on RSSI.
She said the finding provides another potential tool that could complement the ongoing spraying of RSSI-infested sugarcane areas.
“As LGUs like the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and agencies like SRA and DA begin spraying RSSI-infested plantations, we continue and support the search for greener, more sustainable solutions—and the earwigs show real potential,” Alvarez said.
While spraying remains an important response, Alvarez said biological control options such as earwigs, entomopathogenic fungi and other natural enemies could help reduce dependence on insecticides, protect farmers’ health and move the sugarcane industry toward more sustainable pest management.
The push to improve the CPSU biolab comes alongside efforts to strengthen collaboration between the university and the UPLB-NCPC.
On August 7, an NCPC team led by Dr. Barbara L. Caoili, NCPC director and UP Scientist III, visited CPSU to explore areas for collaboration in crop protection.
CPSU, represented by Dr. Grenny Jungco, showcased key facilities of its College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF), particularly the Soils Laboratory and Crop Protection Laboratory.
The lawmaker said that the visit opened discussions on a possible partnership to improve CPSU’s laboratory equipment and technical capabilities, enabling the university to conduct stronger research and respond more effectively to crop concerns such as RSSI infestation.
“Salamat gid, UP National Crop Protection Center (UP-NCPC) sa pag-introduce sakon sa earwigs. With the help of DA and Central Philippines State University, padayonon ta ang pag-researchsag mga amo sini nga mga solusyo,n,” Alvarez said. (Thank you, UP National Crop Protection Center (UP-NCPC) for introducing me to earwigs. With the help of the Department of Agriculture and Central Philippines State University, we will continue researching solutions like these.)
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.