First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos urged sugarcane stakeholders in Negros Occidental to focus on solutions rather than blame as the industry battles the red-striped soft scale insect infestation.
She said collective action among stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation, is needed to help thousands of hectares of affected sugarcane plantations recover.
Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to visit Negros Occidental soon to address the crisis and announce government commitments.
A unified action plan is reportedly being finalized, with possible support measures expected as early as next week.
During her Bacolod visit, the First Lady also distributed 10 kilograms of rice each to 2,000 senior citizens not covered by the social pension program.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 18, 2026
