P30M sought for sugar workers

BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental provincial government has sought a P30-million allocation from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to purchase National Food Authority rice for sugar workers during the “dead season” when there is no work in plantations and mills.

The provincial government said the amount could be taken from the Social Amelioration Fund (SAF) of the sugar industry collected by the DOLE, Negros Occidental Gov. Isidro Zayco said Monday.

Zayco said he had written to the DOLE to request the allocation of rice from the SAF.

Zayco said the provincial government would also allocate funds for a food-for-work program.

He also urged mayors of towns and cities in the province to do the same.