BACOLOD CITY, July 23 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is mulling the provision of financial assistance to sugarcane farmers in Negros Island Region (NIR) affected by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation.

On Thursday, DSWD-NIR Director Arwin Razo met with Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to discuss the drafting of the proposal, at the Provincial Capitol here.

"Upon instruction by our Secretary, Rex Gatchalian, we are collaborating with the provincial government on how we can possibly provide or extend assistance to our sugarcane farmers who are affected by RSSI," Razo told Capitol reporters.

He noted that the financial assistance is intended for small sugarcane farmers in Negros O...