The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) has released PHP51.7 million in emergency cash assistance to small sugarcane farmers in Negros Oriental affected by the red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI) infestation.

DSWD-NIR Regional Director Arwin Razo told the Philippine News Agency that the latest beneficiaries were 350 farmers from Bayawan City and five from Siaton, who each received PHP10,125 in emergency cash transfer (ECT) assistance on Thursday.

“Actually, this is the 3rd leg of the payout because we finished with Mabinay, Bais City, and Zamboanguita last week. They had more affected sugarcane farmers,” Razo said.

He disclosed that 4,757 other affected farmers in Bais City, Canlaon City, Jimalalud, Mabinay, Pamplona and Zamboanguita had received the same assistance earlier this month.

Based on DSWD-NIR records, the beneficiaries were from Bais City (839); Canlaon City (867); Jimalalud (70); Mabinay (2,551); Pamplona (359); and Zamboanguita (71).

The beneficiaries were identified by the local government units, which submitted the names of small sugarcane farmers affected by RSSI in their respective areas.

Razo said the DSWD-NIR has so far assisted 5,112 farmers in the province, and small sugarcane farmers in Negros Occidental have also received the same financial assistance.

He added that his office was still consolidating the total number of beneficiaries in Negros Occidental.

The DSWD’s ECT is an adaptive program that provides direct, unconditional financial assistance to families affected by disasters or emergencies.

Razo urged local government units to submit the names of qualified constituents affected by the RSSI infestation so they can also receive the emergency cash assistance. (PNA)