Manila: Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino on Saturday assured sugarcane workers affected by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation in Negros Oriental that the government will extend assistance should the crisis lead to widespread displacement.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tolentino made the assurance after local officials appealed for government support during DOLE's distribution of assistance to individual and group beneficiaries. "We will have to see the request first. I'm sure that it is evidence-based and we can have amelioration or grants that can help the farmers in the area," Tolentino said in an interview.

He said the technical response to the infestation would primarily come from agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, while DOLE would focus on providing livelihood support to affected workers. "We can have temporary livelihood programs for them, similar to what we have done in other regions during the African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks," Tolentino said.

Negros Oriental Governor Manuel T. Sagarbarria expressed concern that the infestation could trigger a major economic and labor crisis in the province if left unchecked. "As of now, in Negros Oriental alone, we have around 6,000 hectares confirmed affected by RSSI, with another 15,000 hectares still unconfirmed," he said.

"I am afraid that if the production of sugar goes below its threshold, the sugar planters won't be able to pay the sugarcane field workers." While the provincial government is implementing massive spraying operations and other mitigation measures, Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel L. Sagarbarria said they are preparing for the worst-case scenario.

"The biggest threat now in the province is the RSSI infestation. That is going to kill the sugarcane and if uncontrolled, we will lose the sugar industry," he said. The mayor added that the potential collapse of the sugar industry would have far-reaching consequences for the labor sector.

"There will be a big effect on our labor force. There will be big dislocation," he said. He also warned of possible social repercussions if displaced workers are left without alternative sources of income, saying unemployment could eventually affect peace and order in communities.