DSWD aid reaches 6,269 Negros farmers hit by RSSI

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) has released PHP 64,727,425 in Emergency Cash Transfer assistance to 6,269 farmers and landowners whose sugarcane plantations were affected by the widespread infestation of the red-striped soft scale insect, or RSSI.

The first wave of distribution amounted to PHP 10,562,475, followed by a second tranche of PHP 54,164,950 released to 5,246 farmers and landowners.

Each beneficiary received PHP 10,325 in emergency cash assistance to help address livelihood losses caused by the infestation.

Payouts were conducted in Talisay City and San Carlos City on July 29, Binalbagan and Moises Padilla on Aug. 6, and Isabela on Aug. 7, all in Negros Occidental.

The cash assistance aims to support farmers who suffered severe crop losses because of the RSSI infestation.

Records from DSWD-NIR showed that the infestation has affected 38,717 families, or 149,286 individuals, across 410 barangays in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

Negros Occidental recorded the highest number of RSSI-affected local government units, with 19, while Negros Oriental had eight affected LGUs.

DSWD-NIR said the infestation has affected sugarcane-producing communities covering 78,352 hectares across the region.

Field assessments have confirmed damage across 22,792.25 hectares involving 15,135 farmers in various cities and municipalities in the region.

Among the areas with substantial affected plantations are Kabankalan, Cadiz, Victorias, Sagay, and Bago cities, as well as Ilog, Calatrava, and Murcia in Negros Occidental.

In Negros Oriental, affected areas include Mabinay and the cities of Canlaon, Bayawan, and Bais.

RSSI is a sap-sucking pest that damages sugarcane by feeding on plant sap and promoting the growth of black sooty mold, which blocks sunlight, disrupts photosynthesis, and can reduce cane yield and sugar content.

DSWD-NIR maintained PHP 3 million in its Quick Response Fund and prepositioned 80,087 family food packs in strategic locations across the region.

Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, and Negros Oriental have declared states of calamity in response to the RSSI infestation in their respective areas.

The Negros Occidental provincial government has backed biological control methods instead of aerial pesticide application to address the infestation, while Negros Oriental has supported aerial spraying as a control measure.

The Bacolod City government recently declared a state of calamity and is finalizing the list of affected sugar farmers who may receive assistance from the national government through the DSWD.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. visited Negros Occidental last month to assess concerns in the agriculture sector, particularly the RSSI infestation and the export ban affecting the blue crab industry.

The Department of Agriculture and Sugar Regulatory Administration have also stepped up efforts against RSSI through chemical spraying, drone operations, and the development of biological control agents as authorities work to contain the pest and protect sugarcane production.