Over 1,000 Negros Sugarcane Farmers Receive Emergency Aid Amid Infestation

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines — More than 1,000 sugarcane farmers in Negros Occidental affected by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation will begin receiving over P10 million in emergency cash assistance starting Wednesday, July 29. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will launch the pilot rollout of its Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program. The assistance aims to cover up to 15 days of the beneficiaries’ living expenses to help them meet their immediate needs, such as food, medicine, and other essential items. Each beneficiary will receive P1,500. The DSWD recognizes the challenges faced by the farmers in Negros Occidental and hopes that this assistance will help mitigate the impact of the infestation. The agency is working closely with local authorities to assess the extent of the damage and determine if further support is needed. Negros Island is a major sugarcane-producing region in the Philippines, and the infestation poses a significant threat to the local economy. Timely support for the farmers is crucial for them to resume production and rebuild their livelihoods.