The Department of Labor and Employment-Negros Island Region (DOLE-NIR) said it has started the release of financial assistance to sugarcane workers affected by Typhoon Tino, under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).
The agency said May 29 that it has released P3.65 million out of the P3.81 million allotted for the first tranche of assistance, as of May 14, benefiting 3,815 sugarcane workers from participating sugar mills in Negros Occidental.
The initial payout covered workers from Binalbagan Isabela Sugar Company (Biscom), Universal Robina Corporation Sonedco and La Carlota, Sagay Central Inc. (SCI), Hawaiian-Philippine Company (HPCO), and Victorias Milling Company (VMC), including both mill workers and field workers whose livelihoods were adversely affected by the typhoon.
Based on the implementation report, Biscom recorded the highest number of beneficiaries with 900 mill workers receiving assistance amounting to P899,000 of the P900,000 allocation. Its field workers also received assistance in two batches: 483 workers with P475,000 released April 29, and another 300 field workers with P266,000 released May 13.
URC Sonedco distributed assistance to 520 mill workers with P482,000 released from the P520,000 allocation April 28. URC La Carlota provided assistance to 324 mill workers and 158 field workers, with releases totaling P315,000 and P154,000, respectively, the DOLE-NIR said.
SCI also completed the distribution to its 322 mill worker beneficiaries with P321,000 released, while HPCO distributed P296,000 to 308 mill workers. VMC likewise released P449,000 to its 500 mill worker beneficiaries, it added.
The DOLE-NIR emphasized that the current distribution represents only the initial implementation of the program. “Subsequent releases to additional sugar mills and qualified beneficiaries are expected in the coming weeks as validation and coordination activities continue.”
The agency assured sugarcane workers and stakeholders that efforts are continuously being undertaken to facilitate the prompt release of assistance, particularly to workers greatly affected by disruptions in work and income caused by Typhoon Tino in Nov. last year.
Through the SAP, the agency continues to uphold its commitment to protecting the welfare of sugarcane workers by providing immediate financial relief and helping affected communities recover from the impact of calamities, the DOLE-NIR added. ||
