Negros occidental: The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Wednesday released PHP10.562 million in Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) assistance to small sugarcane farmers affected by red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation in two cities in Negros Occidental. The total allocation covers PHP6.267 million for 607 affected farmers in Talisay City and PHP4.295 million for 416 others in San Carlos City. Each beneficiary is qualified to receive PHP10,325.
According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, joined by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Mayor Rowena Lizares, led the start of the payout held at the new public market in Talisay City. "I want to assure you that our President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.) knows what's happening here in your province. Last week, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel was here for the solution to RSSI. We, at DSWD, we're here to help you," Gatchalian said in his message.
Lacson noted that the affected sugarcane farmers are thankful for the financial assistance extended by the DSWD. "They surely appreciate this assistance. I can say that the help of the national government is well appreciated," he added.
Latest data of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) cited by DSWD showed 61,382 hectares of agricultural or sugarcane land in Negros Occidental have been affected by the RSSI infestation. Of the total, 25,350 hectares have already been validated. The invasive sugarcane pest has affected 10,158 farmers across 335 barangays in the province.
In Talisay City, a total of 1,865 hectares in nine barangays have been affected, of which 830.76 hectares have been validated. Up north in San Carlos City, some 1,112 hectares of sugarcane farms, also in nine barangays, have been infested.
"SRA ground validation monitoring remains ongoing across the region. The validated figures, including both the confirmed affected land area and the number of recognized smallholder farmers, are expected to increase as additional field assessment data is processed," the DSWD report said.
