SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA: The number of sugar migrants, also known as 'sacadas,' working in the sugar-rich province of Negros Occidental is declining after their lives have improved with the assistance of Antique's provincial government. According to Philippines News Agency, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has expressed concerns over the difficulty in finding sacadas, as fewer Antiqueños are willing to work in the sugar lands. Governor Rhodora Cadiao, in an interview on Wednesday, confirmed this trend as she prepares for her final 'Bisita Sacada' visit in Negros Occidental. Scheduled from November 29 to December 1, the visit aims to assess the sacadas' situation, provide medical services, and distribute food packs and cash assistance. Governor Cadiao highlighted a significant drop in the number of sacadas from over 4,000 in previous years to nearly half. Since 2015, the provincial government has extended various forms of support, including livelihood and legal assistance as well as Aid to Indi viduals in Crisis Situations (AICS). Priority is also given to the educational needs of sacada children. Bienvinido Nallos Jr., Acting Chief of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), revealed in a separate interview that PHP40 million has been allocated this year for livelihood projects, with a focus on sacadas. The projects, tailored to the sacadas' proposals, include options like sari-sari store setups, cattle or goat dispersal, and piggery ventures. Data from the PPDO indicated that out of 94 sacadas surveyed, 73 reported an improvement in family income in 2023 compared to 2015. In August, the provincial government convened the Sacada Congress in Tibiao, providing medical and other services to the sugar migrant workers.