Talisay Sugarcane Farmers Receive Emergency Cash Transfer from DSWD

A total of 607 sugarcane farmers affected by the Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) infestation in Talisay City received Php 10,325.00 each through the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on July 29 at the New Talisay Public Market.

Following a press briefing at Nature's Village Resort, Mayor Atty. Weng Lizares and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian inspected the payout operations to ensure a smooth, orderly, and efficient distribution process. The direct financial support aims to help farming families cover basic household needs, recover lost capital, and restart agricultural operations following crop disruptions caused by the pest outbreak.

The City Government of Talisay expressed its gratitude to the National Government, led by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, for their swift response and continued assistance to the local agricultural sector. Under the Gwapa Nga Panghimanwa administration, the city government remains committed to supporting farmers through safety nets, agricultural inputs, and livelihood programs.

The briefing and payout inspection were also attended by DSWD-NIR Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Paul Ledesma, 6th District Representative Mercedes Alvarez, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio "Bong" Lacson, and Talisay city officials.