By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Following their Regional Congress yesterday at the San Sebastian Cathedral, members of the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers (NFSW) agreed to hold a protest today outside the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) compound located along Cottage Road.

NFSW Chairman Rolando Rillo said they are looking to discuss the country’s agricultural situation, which he claims is “worsening.” He also wants to discuss the current situation for sugarcane workers.

He added, the demonstration will also commemorate the 47th anniversary of the sugar industry workers’ federation founding.

Following the gathering yesterday, the group conducted a torch parade from the San Sebastian Cathedral to the Fountain of Justice at the old Bacolod City Hall.

Last month, Rillo said the additional taxes from the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law are raising the prices of commodities and negatively impacting the 300,000 sugarcane workers across Negros, calling their situation “more unstable.”/DGB, WDJ