The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has disbursed ₱64,727,425.00 in Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) assistance to 6,269 farmers and landowners in the Negros Island Region grappling with a widespread Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) infestation as of Friday, the DSWD NIR reported on Sunday, August 9.
Under the second wave of the ECT program alone, 5,246 affected agrarian workers and landowners received ₱54,164,950.00 to help mitigate livelihood losses caused by the agricultural pest.
The RSSI outbreak has swept through 78,352 hectares of sugarcane plantations across NIR. Field assessments have confirmed damage covering 22,792.25 hectares, directly impacting 15,135 farmers, the DSWD NIR said.
Among the areas with substantial affected plantations are Kabankalan City, Cadiz City, Victorias City, Sagay City, Ilog, Calatrava, Murcia and Bago City in Negros Occidental, and Mabinay, Canlaon City, Bayawan City, and Bais City in Negros Oriental, it said.
ECT payout activities have been carried out in several communities, including Talisay City and San Carlos City on July 29; Binalbagan and Moises Padilla on August 6; and Isabela on August 7.
Each beneficiary received P10,325, with more payouts expected.
The DSWD Field Office Negros Island Region also maintains ₱3 million in Quick Response Fund (QRF) and prepositioned relief supplies, including 80,087 Family Food Packs, in strategic locations across the region, it said.*
