ABOUT 1,000 hacienda workers from different parts of the province led by the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers trooped and entered the Provincial Capitol compound in Bacolod City Thursday, June 28, to demand assistance as "tiempo muerto," or off-milling season is approaching.
Christian Tuayon, Bayan-Negros chairperson, was allowed to enter the Capitol and represent their group in going to the office of Acting Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
They threatened to enter the Capitol building because the provincial officials would not face them and listen to their problem.
They also challenged the government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development to personally go to the haciendas so they would personally see the situation of the sugarcane workers right now.
They are in poverty because there is no more work at the haciendas as cultivation has already ended, Tuayon said.
"Tiempo muerto" happens once the milling season ends and the sugarcane cultivation is finished.
Tuayon said they have sent a letter to Lacson last week to inform him of their present conditions in the haciendas.
He also said that the Provincial Board could pass a resolution so any assistance would be released to the farm workers.