DSWD distributes PHP 105 million aid to RSSI victims
By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Tuesday, Sept. 29, led the distribution of Emergency Cash Transfer assistance to farmers and sugarcane workers affected by the red-striped soft scale insect infestation in Capiz.
During the distribution program, Gatchalian reiterated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to extend assistance to farmers and sugarcane plantation workers affected by RSSI.
A total of 5,229 beneficiaries from the municipalities of Pilar, President Roxas and Dao received assistance from DSWD during the distribution.
More than 10,000 sugar planters and workers affected by RSSI in four municipalities in Capiz were covered by the financial assistance program.
Based on DSWD data, each beneficiary received PHP 10,325 in Emergency Cash Transfer assistance.
A total of 10,194 beneficiaries were listed in the first batch, consisting of 4,055 from Pilar, 2,914 from President Roxas, 2,910 from Maayon and 315 from Dao.
The government allocated PHP 105,253,050 for the assistance.
The Emergency Cash Transfer program provides post-disaster cash assistance to affected families to help address immediate needs and support early recovery.
Meanwhile, Capiz Gov. Fredenil H. Castro personally received pesticides against the red-striped soft scale insect from the Department of Agriculture.
Engr. Israel Barros of the Department of Agriculture Region VI led the turnover of 84 boxes containing 7,680 packs for distribution to affected sugarcane farmers.
The pesticides are intended to help farmers control the infestation and reduce further crop losses.
Eligible beneficiaries of the assistance included sugarcane farmers, landowners and agricultural workers directly affected by RSSI.
Capiz was placed under a state of calamity on Aug. 10, 2026, because of extensive damage caused by the pest infestation.
The RSSI outbreak has affected sugarcane areas across Western Visayas, prompting financial assistance, pesticide distribution and other interventions by national agencies.
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