Manila, July 11 -- The government is seeing progress in its efforts to contain the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation that has threatened sugarcane farms in Negros Occidental.

In an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Friday, Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) chief Pablo Azcona said of the 2,900 affected hectares, "almost 300" hectares are now considered recovered.

He attributed the progress in containing the infestation to early detection, prompt pesticide application, and continuous farmer education.

Azcona also said that beyond government efforts, there has been an outpouring of support from the private sector and other stakeholders.

"Ang dami na pong pumapasok na inquiries and offers for tulong from the priva...