Sugarcane workers hit by pest infestation get aid

The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has vowed to provide assistance to sugarcane workers affected by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation.

DoLE Secretary Francis Tolentino made the commitment during a consultative dialogue with the Sugar Tripartite Council (STC) on Thursday at the department’s main office in Manila.

During the dialogue, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns Director Leilani Reynoso assured the participants that workers affected by the infestation would receive timely financial assistance.

Reynoso said affected workers could avail themselves of the department’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers program.

She added that the program could also provide affected workers with skills training and livelihood assistance, among other forms of support.

The STC sought the dialogue to discuss workforce and labor challenges confronting the sugar industry, including the impact of the RSSI infestation on agricultural workers.

DoLE said it would meet with the council again to thoroughly address other issues and concerns affecting sugar farmers and agricultural workers.

Last month, Iloilo province declared a state of calamity because of the RSSI infestation in sugarcane fields.

Reports cited by authorities showed that the infestation had affected 9,491 sugarcane farmers.