Manila, June 9 -- The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) reported recovery in more than 17 hectares of sugarcane farms affected by red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) in Negros Occidental but sustains intensified field response as the infestation continues to increase, its latest report showed on Monday.

"I know that the sugar industry is very important for the Negros Island Region and the SRA and the Department of Agriculture (DA) will work with 101 percent effort in finding a solution. This solution entails the cooperation of everyone," SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said during the stakeholders' forum at the SRA Bacolod Social Hall.

Negros Island produces 65 percent of the country's sugar output.

As of June 6, a total of 84...