Thousands of sugarcane farmers in Negros affected by a pest infestation are receiving emergency financial assistance as the government works to help cushion the losses caused by damaged crops.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) has so far distributed P410.28 million in Emergency Cash Transfers (ECT) to 39,847 affected farmers, according to Regional Director Arwin Razo.
Razo said more payouts are expected through the end of the year as the agency awaits additional funding. With further releases, total assistance could exceed P1 billion.
Negros Occidental gets most of the assistance
Negros Occidental has received the largest share of the assistance, with P352.74 million distributed to 34,164 farmers as of Sept. 18.
Kabankalan City received P68.92 million for 6,675 beneficiaries, the biggest allocation among the covered areas. This was followed by La Castellana, which received P47.94 million for 4,643 farmers, and Himamaylan City with P36.64 million for 3,549 beneficiaries.
Other significant releases included P23.97 million for Murcia and P23.36 million each for Hinoba-an and Isabela, benefiting 2,262 farmers in each area.
Farmers in Binalbagan, Cadiz, Cauayan, Hinigaran, La Carlota, Manapla, Moises Padilla, Sagay, San Carlos, Sipalay, Talisay and Salvador Benedicto also received assistance.
Negros Oriental farmers also receive cash aid
In Negros Oriental, the DSWD-NIR has released P57.54 million to 5,683 sugarcane farmers affected by the infestation.
Mabinay received the largest amount at P25.83 million for 2,551 beneficiaries. Canlaon City followed with P8.82 million for 871 farmers, while Bais City received P8.49 million for 839 beneficiaries.
The program also covered farmers in Amlan, Basay, Bayawan City, Dauin, Jimalalud, Pamplona, Santa Catalina, Siaton, Tayasan, and Zamboanguita.
Pest infestation threatens sugarcane production
The red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) damages sugarcane by feeding on the sap of the plant's stalks and leaves. It also produces honeydew, which encourages the growth of black sooty mold that can block sunlight and affect photosynthesis.
The Sugar Regulatory Administration said the infestation can stunt sugarcane growth and reduce sugar content by as much as 50 percent.
The emergency cash transfers are intended to provide immediate support to farmers as they deal with crop losses and the continuing impact of the infestation.
