Aid to Sugarcane Workers Hit by RSSI to Reach P1.9B by Yearend

BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s ongoing distribution of Emergency Cash Transfers (ECT) to small sugarcane farmers and workers whose crops have been destroyed by red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI) in Negros Island will hit P1.9 billion before the end of this year, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said on Tuesday. "The DSWD is committed to ensuring that our affected farmers and workers receive the necessary assistance to recover from this agricultural crisis," Gatchalian said in a statement. The ECT program provides financial aid to individuals and families affected by calamities, including agricultural damage. The funds can be used for food, medicine, and other immediate needs. In Negros Island, the RSSI infestation has affected thousands of hectares of sugarcane farms, leading to significant crop losses. Farmers have reported that the insects damage the sugarcane stalks, reducing their sugar content and making them unfit for milling. "We are working closely with the Department of Agriculture and local government units to assess the full extent of the damage and to provide targeted interventions," Gatchalian added. The government has also been implementing other measures to support the sugarcane industry, including providing technical assistance to farmers, promoting the use of pest-resistant sugarcane varieties, and exploring alternative livelihood opportunities for those severely affected. The DSWD expects to complete the distribution of the P1.9 billion in ECT by December 31, 2023. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo