Politics · Philippines Bureau
Philippines to spend P1.9B aiding sugarcane workers hit by pest crisis
The government will distribute nearly two billion pesos in emergency cash assistance to sugarcane farmers and workers across Negros Island whose livelihoods have been devastated by red-striped soft scale insects. The Department of Social Welfare and Development expects to complete the aid disbursement by year-end.
LSN Philippines ·
BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development will channel P1.9 billion in Emergency Cash Transfers to small sugarcane farmers and workers in Negros Island whose crops have been ravaged by red-striped soft scale insects, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced Tuesday.
The pest infestation has caused widespread damage to sugarcane production across the island, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farming families. The emergency assistance program aims to provide immediate relief to those affected while the agricultural sector works toward recovery.
Gatchalian said the department is working to complete the distribution of funds before the year concludes. The Emergency Cash Transfers represent one of the government's key relief measures in response to the agricultural crisis affecting the region's important sugarcane industry.
The timing of the aid comes as farming communities continue to assess the full extent of crop damage and seek long-term solutions to address pest control and prevent future infestations. Officials have indicated that the cash transfer program will be crucial in helping affected families meet their immediate needs during the recovery period.