Bacolod city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) has distributed nearly PHP315 million in emergency cash transfer (ECT) assistance to 30,608 small sugarcane farmers affected by red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI) infestations, according to an official on Tuesday. DSWD-NIR Regional Director Arwin Razo stated in an interview that weekly payouts are underway in cities and municipalities where small sugarcane farmers have experienced losses due to the pest infestation.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-NIR is making a continuous effort to support small farmers owning five hectares or less of sugarcane fields that have been attacked by RSSI. As of September 7, data from DSWD-NIR shows that PHP314.950 million has been distributed to beneficiaries in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

Of the total distributed amount, more than PHP250.4 million was provided to 25,222 beneficiaries in Negros Occidental. The beneficiaries are from various areas including Binalbagan, Cadiz City, Cauayan, Himamaylan City, Hinigaran, Isabela, La Carlota City, La Castellana, Manapla, Moises Padilla, Murcia, Sagay City, San Carlos City, Sipalay City, Talisay City, and Salvador Benedicto.

In Negros Oriental, approximately PHP54.5 million was allocated to 5,386 beneficiaries in Amlan, Bais City, Bayawan City, Canlaon City, Jimalalud, Mabinay, Pamplona, Siaton, and Zamboanguita.

Razo noted that the list of beneficiaries was provided by local government units (LGUs) and verified against the records of the Sugar Regulatory Administration. He added that the weekly ECT payouts aim to deliver direct, unconditional cash assistance to help small farmers manage severe crop and production losses due to the RSSI infestation. Most LGUs in Negros Oriental have already received allocations, with further payouts scheduled for Negros Occidental.