Negros island: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released PHP64-million in emergency cash transfer (ECT) assistance to small sugarcane farmers and landowners affected by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation in the Negros Island Region (NIR). Data released on Sunday showed 6,269 beneficiaries have received PHP10,325 each since the payout began on July 29.
According to Philippines News Agency, the ECT is part of the national government's immediate response to cushion the socio-economic impact of the infestation on the sugar industry. It is intended to help affected farming families address their essential needs as they cope with production losses and reduced sources of income, the DSWD-NIR said in a statement.
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) reported damage in 78,352 hectares of sugarcane plantations as of July 17. Based on field assessments, damage in 22,792.25 hectares has been confirmed, involving 15,135 farmers across Negros Island. Affected are 19 cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental and eight others in Negros Oriental.
The payout launch on July 29 benefited 607 affected farmers in Talisay City, who received a total of PHP6.267 million, and 416 farmers in San Carlos City, with a total PHP4.295 million. On August 6, a total of 1,571 sugarcane farmers received PHP16.22 million in Moises Padilla, while 1,596 others received PHP16.478 million in Binalbagan.
Other areas with substantial affected plantations are the cities of Kabankalan, Cadiz, Victorias, Sagay, and Bago, as well as the municipalities of Ilog, Calatrava, Murcia, and Isabela in Negros Occidental. In Negros Oriental, mostly affected are Mabinay town, and the cities of Canlaon, Bayawan, and Bais.
The DSWD-NIR said it is rolling out the ECT aid in coordination with the SRA, Department of Agrarian Reform, Negros Occidental provincial government, local government units, and other partner agencies. The distribution of assistance will continue to reach additional eligible sugarcane farmers in the coming days, the DSWD-NIR added.
