DOLE-NIR releases PHP 3.6 million Tino aid

The Department of Labor and Employment-Negros Island Region has started releasing financial assistance to sugarcane workers affected by Typhoon Tino under the Social Amelioration Program.

As of May 14, 2026, DOLE-NIR had released PHP 3,657,000.00 of the PHP 3,815,000.00 allocated for the first tranche of assistance, benefiting 3,815 sugarcane workers from participating sugar mills in Negros Occidental.

The initial payout covered mill and field workers from Binalbagan Isabela Sugar Co., Universal Robina Corp.-SONEDCO, Universal Robina Corp.-La Carlota, Sagay Central Inc., Hawaiian-Philippine Co., and Victorias Milling Co.

DOLE-NIR said the beneficiaries’ livelihoods were adversely affected by the typhoon, which disrupted work and income in sugar-producing communities.

The Social Amelioration Program in the sugar industry was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 6982, or the Sugar Amelioration Act of 1991, to help improve the social and economic conditions of sugar workers and their families.

Based on the implementation report, BISCOM recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, with 900 mill workers receiving PHP 899,000.00 on April 24, 2026, out of the PHP 900,000.00 allocation.

BISCOM field workers also received assistance in two batches: 483 workers received PHP 475,000.00 on April 29, 2026, and 300 field workers received PHP 266,000.00 on May 13, 2026.

URC-SONEDCO distributed PHP 482,000.00 of its PHP 520,000.00 allocation to 520 mill workers on April 28, 2026.

URC-La Carlota provided assistance to 324 mill workers and 158 field workers, with releases totaling PHP 315,000.00 and PHP 154,000.00, respectively.

SCI released PHP 321,000.00 to 322 mill worker-beneficiaries, while HPCO distributed PHP 296,000.00 to 308 mill workers.

VMC also released PHP 449,000.00 to 500 mill worker-beneficiaries.

DOLE-NIR said the current distribution represents only the initial implementation of the program.

The agency said subsequent releases to additional sugar mills and qualified beneficiaries are expected in the coming weeks as validation and coordination activities continue.

DOLE-NIR assured sugarcane workers and stakeholders that it continues to facilitate the prompt release of assistance, particularly to workers severely affected by disruptions in work and income caused by Typhoon Tino.

Through SAP, DOLE-NIR said it remains committed to protecting the welfare of sugarcane workers by providing immediate financial relief and helping affected communities recover from calamities.