Sugar farmers from Mindanao and Luzon sent their appreciation and support letter to the Department of Agriculture and the Sugar Regulatory Administration, for their decision to suspend sugar importation for Crop Year 2024-25, until after the current harvest season, when there would be a firm grasp of the country’s actual production.
The manifesto of support was read and handed over by former Cong. Manuel Antonio Zubiri, the president of the Sugarcane Growers Association of Bukidnon Inc. (SGABI) to SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona during the 23rd Joint Annual General Assembly of SGABI and the Sugarcane Farmers of Bukidnon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SFBMPC) last Thursday in Bukidnon, while the Luzon Federation of Sugarcane Growers Inc. (Luzonfed) sent their letter of support and appreciation through SRA Board Member Dave Sanson during the assembly of the Batangas Integrated Sugar Planters Multi-Purpose Cooperative also last Thursday in Batangas.
“We commend the DA and the SRA for their foresight and judicious decision-making. Rest assured, we stand ready to support and collaborate in any initiatives that further strengthen our agriculture industry,” Zubiri said, “I was present in the August 6 stakeholders meeting in Manila and it was fully explained why last crop years import was needed. Based on the current production data, the Aug. 6 discussion was correct” Zubiri further said.
Azcona, who attended the SGABI event, thanked Zubiri and the more than 7,000 sugar farmers present for their support and vowed to increase SRA presence and programs in the Mindanao area.
“We are in the process of expanding our research program in Mindanao, particularly in Bukidnon, to help our sugar farmers increase their yield as we see that the future of expanding our sugar industry is here in Mindanao,” Azcona said.
He also thanked the farmers for their positive growth last crop year by about 20 percent while other areas remain stagnant and advised them not to hasten in harvesting their canes to ensure better yield as evidenced by the drop of sugar purity in Negros Occidental crops, due to the long drought. Bukidnon farmers started milling yesterday, almost two months since mills opened in Negros Occidental.
Aside from Zubiri, the letter of support was also signed by SFBMPC Chair Joselin Medalla, Antonio Pizzaro of the United Sugarcane Farmers Cooperative, Rodolfo Celestial of the Bukidnon Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, and Antonio Jayag of the First Mindanao United Sugar Planters Association Inc.
“We concur with Secretary Laurel’s assessment that there is no immediate need for additional imports as the domestic supply of both raw and refined sugar remains stable and sufficient to meet the projected needs. The assurance provided by SRA Administrator Azcona, highlighting the stability of sugar supply and the commencement of the harvest season, further solidifies our confidence in this prudent decision,” the letter said.
“The strategic postponement of sugar importation until after the harvest season not only supports our local farmers but also ensures the optimal utilization of our homegrown produce. This decision exemplifies a commitment to safeguarding the interests of the domestic agricultural sector and promoting sustainable agricultural practices,” it added.
Meanwhile Luzonfed said the suspension of sugar importation until after the harvest season “offers significant relief to sugarcane farmers who have been struggling with the negative impact of excessive imports on local prices.”
Luzonfed President Cornelio Toreja said “We are grateful for the SRA and DA’s acknowledgment of our concerns. By postponing imports until mid-2025, farmers can optimize their harvests and foster a more sustainable local industry.”
The federation also highlighted the challenges posed by environmental factors, such as El Niño, which affected sugar yields. Luzonfed remains committed to advocating for farmers’ interests and believes that collaboration with the SRA and DA will contribute to a flourishing Philippine sugar industry.
Sanson, who was the guest speaker in Batangas, thanked Luzonfed for their support.
“While there are some detractors in the sugar industry, all SRA published reports contain balances which include imported sugar, so for them to claim to not know is albeit funny,” Sanson said.
“We are also happy to note that your organization has been nothing but supportive of the local sugar industry, to the DA and SRA. Let me assure everyone that the sugar board is fully cognizant of every stakeholder’s needs and we need your full support and cooperation in making policy decisions that will be beneficial to all. On a personal note though, as your planters’ representative to the sugar board, I am assuring you that I will always fight for the rights of our sugar farmers, particularly the small farmers that comprise a huge chunk of our sugar producers, one again thank you for always being present in our stakeholder meetings, your voice is important”, Sanson told the assembly.
Both letters were handed over by Azcona to Laurel over the weekend.*
