Manila, May 21 -- The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) on Wednesday assured doing its best to prevent the spread of red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI) in the country.

The RSSI, which was first discovered in Egypt, may reduce sugar content by almost 50 percent.

This came after the SRA disclosed early reports of RSSI infestation in some farms in Victoria, Hawaiian area, Silay, Saravia, Sagay, and Lopez in the northern portion of Negros Occidental.

In a hybrid press conference, SRA Chief Science Research Specialist Raphael Henri Mundo said they are in close coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) to implement stringent monitoring and quarantine measures in affected areas....