The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is preparing financial assistance and livelihood support for sugar industry workers whose incomes have been affected by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation.
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino met with the Sugar Tripartite Council (STC) at the DOLE Central Office in Intramuros, Manila, to discuss labor concerns and the economic difficulties facing sugar farmers and agricultural workers.
During the consultation, industry stakeholders raised concerns over the disruption of daily wages and livelihoods caused by the pest infestation, emphasizing the need for immediate government assistance.
Tolentino reaffirmed the department’s commitment to providing timely interventions to help affected workers recover from income losses and sustain their livelihoods.
Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) Director Leilani Reynoso assured stakeholders that financial relief would be extended to workers affected by the infestation.
Reynoso also encouraged affected workers to participate in the TUPAD Flagship Innovations program, which offers employment assistance, skills development, and livelihood opportunities.
“Puwede natin i-open sa mga affected itong TUPAD innovations; meron po yung SkillPass at mga training na puwedeng gawin. Meron ding Tulong-Aral, Sagip-Trabaho, meron din pong in terms of livelihood assistance,” Reynoso said.
The expanded TUPAD framework includes programs designed to provide short-term income support while helping workers acquire skills and explore alternative sources of livelihood.
DOLE said the assistance measures were aligned with the government’s efforts to strengthen employment protection and provide economic opportunities for vulnerable workers.
The department also recognized the need for sustained coordination among government agencies, employers, and labor representatives to address challenges affecting the sugar industry.
A follow-up meeting with the Sugar Tripartite Council is being planned to discuss additional concerns involving sugar farmers and agricultural workers, including possible measures to mitigate the impact of the infestation on employment and income.
DOLE said it would continue working with industry stakeholders to identify appropriate interventions and strengthen support for workers whose livelihoods depend on sugar production.
