Negros sugar farmers get P410M in cash aid

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines — Some 39,847 sugarcane farmers in Negros Island have received P410.28 million in emergency cash transfers (ECT) from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to help offset losses caused by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI), Regional Director Arwin Razo said on Sunday.

Razo said aid distribution would continue until the end of the year, pending the release of additional funds. Total assistance could exceed P1 billion, he added.

RSSI damages sugarcane by sucking sap from stalks and leaves, while the honeydew it produces promotes black sooty mold that blocks sunlight and reduces photosynthesis. Severe infestation can cut sucrose content by up to 50 percent, according to the Sugar Regulatory Administration.

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READ: Sugarcane pest attack widens; Negros worst hit

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As of Sept. 18, Negros Occidental received the largest share of the assistance at P352.74 million for 34,164 beneficiaries.

Kabankalan City received P68.92 million for 6,675 farmers, followed by La Castellana with P47.94 million for 4,643 farmers and Himamaylan City with P36.64 million for 3,549 beneficiaries.

Murcia received P23.97 million, while Hinoba-an and Isabela each received P23.36 million for 2,262 beneficiaries.

Other affected areas also received assistance, including Binalbagan, Cadiz City, Cauayan, Hinigaran, La Carlota City, Manapla, Moises Padilla, Sagay City, San Carlos City, Sipalay City, Talisay City and Salvador Benedicto. /cb