By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao will be in Negros Occidental from November 15 to 18 conducting the annual Bisita Sacada, where she will observe the status of sugarcane plantation workers sent from her province to work on local farms, along with ensuring labor laws are being enforced.

The governor will be visiting Murcia and La Carlota City, where there are a total of 22 haciendas employing workers from Antique.

According to the Antique Provincial Planning and Development Office, there are around 2,000 sugarcane workers, which is a decline from the previous figure of 7,000.

Cadiao said she wants to reduce the number of migrant workers in Negros Occidental and hopes to accomplish it through the distribution of financial assistance and a comprehensive livelihood program.

Joining the governor will be representatives from the Antique Provincial Health Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Development, and Philippine National Police.

Last year, the Antique provincial government allotted P2 million worth of livelihood assistance to sugarcane plantation workers.

At the time, Angeline Javier of the provincial government’s Sacada Desk noted, laborers will be provided live animals, sari-sari stores, and “tri-bikes,” in addition to financial assistance.

This year, the governor will be distributing livestock, pumpboats, tricycles, and sari-sari store packages./DGB, WDJ