Negros Occidental to make data base of workers affected by the dead season in the sugar industry

Gov. Isidro Zayco yesterday said he has directed the mayors of Negros Occidental to prepare the data base of sugar workers in their towns and cities who may be affected by the dead season in the sugar industry.

Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral, who is among the national officials from whom Zayco has sought assistance from for the sugar workers, is set to arrive in Negros Occidental on March 6.

The secretary will be in Negros to distribute assistance to senior citizens in Silay, Talisay and Bacolod cities, and is expected to discuss the plight of the sugar workers with the governor.

She has asked the local DSWD to brief her on the situation of the sugar workers ahead of her visit.

Zayco, in his memo to the mayors, said the Provincial Sugar Industry Task Force is now preparing the Data Base of Sugar Workers for the foreseen early onset of the off milling season in the sugar industry, refereed to as the dead season.

The governor has asked the mayors to submit survey forms sent to them to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office by the first week of March.*CPG