Four milling contractors have been issued permits by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to transport sugar migrant workers or “sacadas” from this province to sugar-rich Negros Occidental.

“There are already four milling contractors who had applied for their permit starting only this week,” said DOLE Antique provincial director Carmela Abellar in an interview on Friday.

The permit to transport “sacadas” is proof their recruitment is done legally.

It is presented to the Philippine Coast Guard at the port of origin, which is usually in Dumangas, Iloilo, before their departure to Negros Occidental.

On average, Abellar said a milling contractor transports 20 to 25 “sacadas” every September or just before the full opening of the milling season to stay In Negros Occidental province for six months to work in the sugar plantations.

Last year, 4,157 sugar migrant workers went to Negros Occidental.

“There are several documentary requirements that are being required before DOLE issues the permit to transport to the milling contractors,” she said.

Among the required documents are certificates of authority to hire and of job availability issued by the Negros Occidental provincial government.

The planters hiring the “sacadas” are likewise required to issue Special Power of Attorney to the milling contractor to transact on their behalf the permit to transport the workers.

Further, the Negros Occidental Public Employment Service Office requires the “sacada” to show a birth certificate to prove that they are of legal age, fit to work medical certificate and the clearance of no objection issued by the mayor of the municipality where the worker resides. (PNA)