• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
To develop concrete solutions addressing the significant decline in sugar prices in Negros Occidental, a public consultation will be convened today, January 23, at Padre Pio Hall, Nature’s Village Resort, Talisay City.
The consultation, hosted by Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, will bring together national and local leaders along with representatives from sugar planters to address the ongoing crisis in the sugar industry.
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform Chairperson Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and House Committee on Agriculture and Food Chairperson Rep. Mark Enverga will lead the event.
It aims to discuss the urgent challenges faced by the sugar industry, particularly the sharp decline in millgate sugar prices, and to explore possible policy measures and sectoral responses.
According to the latest bidding prices released by “The Mangunguma” as of January 15, the highest bid was from Asociación de Hacienderos de Silay-Saravia, Inc. and the Hawaiian-Philippine Company (AHSSI-HPCo), at P2,405.55 per 50-kilo bag. The lowest bid was P2,183, submitted by Universal Robina Sugar Milling Corporation (URSUMCO).*
