The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) has released P410 million in emergency cash assistance to nearly 40,000 small sugarcane farmers in Negros affected by the red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI) infestation, an official said Sept. 21.
DSWD-NIR director Arwin Razo told the Philippine News Agency that the subsidies were given to eligible farmers, based on validation conducted by the local government units with the help of the Sugar Regulatory Administration and other partners.
Razo said the agency is seeking additional funding from its central office for another batch of beneficiaries.
He added that farmers who missed their scheduled payout may still claim the assistance through their local government units (LGUs).
DSWD-NIR records showed that Negros Occidental received P352.7 million for 34,164 beneficiaries from 18 cities and municipalities.
The sugarcane farmer-beneficiaries in Negros Occidental are from Binalbagan, Cadiz City, Cauayan, Himamaylan City, Hinigaran, Hinoba-an, Isabela, Kabankalan City, La Carlota City, La Castellana, Manapla, Moises Padilla, Murcia, Sagay City, San Carlos City, Sipalay City, Talisay City, and Salvador Benedicto.
In Negros Oriental, the agency released P57.5 million to 5,683 beneficiaries from 13 LGUs.
The beneficiaries in Negros Oriental are from Amlan, Bais City, Basay, Bayawan City, Canlaon City, Dauin, Jimalalud, Mabinay, Pamplona, Sta. Catalina, Siaton, Tayasan, and Zamboanguita.
Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental and Mabinay in Negros Oriental recorded the highest payouts among the beneficiary LGUs, as they were among the areas hardest hit by the RSSI infestation. ||
