NegOcc sets aside P15M for sugar workers
BACOLOD CITY -- The provincial government of Negros Occidental through Governor Isidro Zayco has allocated P15 million for food-for-work programs in preparation for the “dead season” for sugar workers.
The announcement was made at a meeting of Provincial Sugar Industry Task Force chaired by Board Member Enrique Miguel Lacson at the provincial capitol.
"I already wrote a letter addressed to the National Food Authority stating that the province is in need of 15,000 bags of rice for this project," he added.
The said meeting was attended by the Department of Labor and Employment, Sugar Regulatory Administration, PhilHealth, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Fr. Anecito Buenafe of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Bacolod as well as various representatives of sugar planters and labor organizations.
"I think DOLE and the sugar planters should put also their share for this cause because it must be a joint efforts of everybody in protection of our sugar industry," Zayco said.
The governor also knew that in the past, sugar planters have taken care of their workers and there was an assurance that the same scheme will be done this year to counter the problem on “tiempo muerto” however because of the crisis, it should be strengthened.
Zayco stressed that as long as the provincial government has enough funds, his administration is very helpful to this kind of industry because it is Negros industry that made it known for how many decades.
"It's good to hear that various stakeholders are joining together to make solutions to the problem and plan out things to help our sugar workers," he added.
The governor said the creation of the Provincial Sugar Industry Task Force is a manifestation that the government is listening to the concerns of the affected individuals for the realization of its common mission which is to serve especially the needy.