The Department of Social Welfare and Development–Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) has released a total of ₱386,732,350 in emergency cash assistance to sugarcane farmers affected by the red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI) infestation as of Saturday, Sept.12.
The amount has benefited 37,566 individuals, Arwin Razo, DSWD NIR head, said Sunday.
“This is a continuing effort of the government through the DSWD-NIR to provide direct assistance to small sugarcane farmers with five hectares or less whose crops and livelihoods have been severely disrupted by the RSSI infestation,” Razo said.
Negros Occidental received the largest portion of the aid, with ₱329,191,975 disbursed to 31,883 farmers.
Within the province, Kabankalan City recorded the highest coverage with 6,661 beneficiaries receiving ₱68,774,825, followed by La Castellana with 4,643 beneficiaries (₱47,938,975) and Himamaylan City with 3,549 beneficiaries (₱36,643,425).
Significant disbursements were also recorded in Murcia (₱23,974,650), Isabela (₱23,355,150), Moises Padilla (₱15,704,325), Binalbagan (₱15,724,975), La Carlota City (₱14,960,925), Hinigaran (₱14,795,725), Cauayan (₱13,102,425),
Talisay City (₱11,378,150), Sagay City (₱11,192,300), Cadiz City (₱10,521,175), and San Carlos City (₱10,046,225).
Smaller allocations were released to Salvador Benedicto (₱4,687,550), Manapla (₱3,531,150), and the Sipalay City (₱2,860,025).
In Negros Oriental, a total of ₱57,540,375 was distributed to 5,683 affected farmers.
The municipality of Mabinay accounted for the bulk of the assistance in the province, serving 2,551 beneficiaries with ₱25,828,875.
Other recipient areas include Canlaon City(₱8,818,875), Bais City (₱8,494,875), Bayawan City (₱4,090,500), Pamplona (₱3,634,875), Amlan (₱2,754,000), Tayasan (₱1,569,375), Zamboanguita (₱718,875), Jimalalud (₱708,750), Basay (₱303,750), Santa Catalina (₱293,625), Siaton (₱283,500), and Dauin (₱40,500).*
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