ASSISTANCE. Capitol personnel help prepare grocery items for distribution to the sacada or sugar migrant workers at the New Antique capitol on Monday (Nov. 13, 2023). Randy Ardeño, in charge of the Sacada Desk under the Antique Provincial Planning and Development Office, said in an interview that Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte will release PHP15 million livelihood assistance to around 5,000 sugar migrant workers during the “Bisita Sacada” on Nov. 16, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Antique Sacada Desk)
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte will join the annual “Bisita Sacada” of the provincial government here, bringing some PHP15 million in livelihood assistance to some 5,000 Antique sugar migrant laborers or sacada in Negros Occidental.
Randy Ardeño, in charge of the Sacada Desk under the Antique Provincial Planning and Development Office, in an interview Monday, said that for the first time, Duterte will join Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao and the other political leaders of Antique in the one-day event set on Nov. 16.
“We are glad that the vice president is also extending support to the sacada,” he said.
The Antique Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) personnel are now in Negros Occidental to conduct a social case study for the sugar migrant workers who stand to receive between PHP4,000 to PHP5,000 each.
In addition to the livelihood assistance, the Antique provincial government will provide groceries, medicines, tumblers, and t-shirts to the sacada.
Ardeño said the province would also give medicines but has yet to confirm if the Antique Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) would have a medical-dental check-up.
During the visit, milling representatives led by Emmanuel Tamayo would take their oath of office following their reorganization in January this year.
“These milling representatives are those who contract the sacada and bring them for work in Negros Occidental,” he said
The Bisita Sacada is a yearly activity of the provincial government since 2015 to bring government services during the Christmas season and consult with Negros Occidental government officials and sugar plantation owners to improve their working conditions. (PNA)
