• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The National Federation of Sugarcane Planters yesterday urged the Sugar Regulatory Administration to disclose figures on production, inventory and projected demand of sugar, before the issuance of any sugar order for additional importation.
In a statement, NFSP president Enrique Rojas stressed the need for the SRA “to disclose these vital information not only to few selected groups,” but more importantly, to sugar federations who make up majority of sugar production in the country.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the additional importation of sugar following the recommendation of SRA to strengthen the country’s stock, aimed at stabilizing its prices.
Some sugar federations are reportedly dismayed that PBBM only met and consulted the United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines (UNIFED) on the issue of additional sugar importation.
What is our current production? How much is our inventory, including the 440,000 MT importation and other importations? What is our projected consumption? How much is our projected shortfall until the end of the crop year, if there is any? Rojas asked SRA in a statement.
These questions have to be answered, so that sugar producers can make an informed decision whether there is a need for more importation, and if indeed there is still a shortfall, what is the exact minimum volume that we need to import to fill the shortfall, he further said.
Rojas also suggested that SRA should consult all stakeholders, and ensure that the volume and schedule of any additional importation will not lower sugar prices at the start of the next milling season.
SRA acting Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona earlier assured the planned importation would be above board and open to all eligible international traders.
On the other hand, UNIFED president Manolet Lamata welcomed the government’s move to import more sugar. “I approve because retail prices remain high,” he said.
We should increase our imports to bring down the prices. Besides, the harvesting season is over. No damage will be made to the farmers. [This is] good for the consumers,” Lamata said in a statement.*
