The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) has released more than P280 million in emergency cash assistance to 27,304 sugarcane farmers affected by the red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI) infestation.
Beverly Salazar, chief of the DSWD-NIR Disaster Response Management Division, told the Philippine News Agency Aug. 31 that the emergency cash transfer (ECT) payouts were made in recent weeks to help affected farmers cope with losses caused by the infestation.
“More ECT payouts are scheduled this week in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental as we continue to provide emergency assistance to these farmers based on a list provided by the Sugar Regulatory Administration through the local government units,” Salazar said.
As of Aug. 28, DSWD-NIR had served 22,194 beneficiaries in Negros Occidental and 5,110 in Negros Oriental.
In Negros Occidental, payouts were conducted in Binalbagan, Cadiz City, Cauayan, Himamaylan City, Hinigaran, Isabela, La Castellana, Manapla, Moises Padilla, Murcia, San Carlos City, Sipalay City, Talisay City, and Salvador Benedicto, with disbursements amounting to more than P229 million.
In Negros Oriental, payouts had been conducted in Bais City, Bayawan City, Canlaon City, Jimalalud, Mabinay, Pamplona, Siaton, and Zamboanguita, with about P51.7 million released.
Each beneficiary in Negros Oriental received P10,125, while those in Negros Occidental received P10,325.
Additional payouts are scheduled this week for affected sugarcane farmers in Calatrava, Hinoba-an, La Carlota, Talisay, and Sagay in Negros Occidental, and Amlan and Tayasan in Negros Oriental.
Salazar said the agency will also return to areas where some identified beneficiaries failed to show up during the initial payout. Family members identified as replacements will be considered for the assistance during the succeeding payouts, she said.
The ECT distribution will continue until all qualified sugarcane farmers affected by the RSSI infestation in the different LGUs have received the emergency assistance, Salazar added. ||
