World · Philippines Bureau
Philippines releases ₱677.8M in aid for 66,000 Negros sugar workers
The Department of Social Welfare and Development has begun disbursing emergency assistance to sugarcane farmers and laborers across Negros Island affected by devastating pest infestation. The initial tranche of nearly ₱678 million targets approximately 66,000 individuals impacted by the red-stripe soft-scale insect outbreak.
LSN Philippines ·
BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has commenced releasing emergency funds to assist sugarcane sector workers across the Negros Island Region facing economic hardship from widespread pest damage. The initial disbursement of ₱677.8 million represents the first phase of the Uplift Disaster Assistance Program targeting farmers and laborers whose livelihoods have been disrupted by red-stripe soft-scale insect infestation.
According to DSWD-Negros Island Region Regional Director Arwin Razo, the assistance program is designed to provide immediate relief to approximately 66,000 affected beneficiaries throughout the region. The initiative aims to stabilize household incomes and support communities dependent on the sugarcane industry during the crisis period.
The red-stripe soft-scale insect outbreak has posed significant challenges to the sugar industry in Negros, one of the Philippines' major sugar-producing regions. The pest infestation has damaged crops across multiple provinces, threatening the economic stability of thousands of farming families and plantation workers.
The DSWD indicated that additional assistance may be rolled out as the agency continues monitoring the situation through its Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information system. Officials emphasized the government's commitment to supporting affected communities during this agricultural emergency.