BACOLOD CITY, Philippines ? Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and the incoming head of the Sugar Regulatory Administration, Regina Bautista Martin, have assured sugar industry stakeholders they would be consulted before the government resorts to any importation of sugar.
During a Philippine Sugar Technologists convention in Cebu City on Wednesday, Alcala said he would not allow sugar importation without consulting all sectors.
Alcala said the Department of Agriculture agreed to import 100,000 metric tons negotiated under the previous administration to "cushion the price of sugar."
He noted that it was surprising that the day after the proposed sugar importation was announced, the suggested retail price went up to P56 per 50-kilo gram.
"We need to get our acts together and I am asking, especially the traders who have the supply now, let us release the sugar into the market," Alcala said.
On the other hand, Alcala also said that under his watch, the smuggling of sugar would not be allowed.
Martin, who was set to take her oath as SRA head on Monday, also said on Thursday that consulting all stakeholders would be part of her management style.
She also vowed to address sugar smuggling.
The sugar leaders here lauded the assurance of Alcala and Martin that they would be consulted.
Manuel Lamata, president of the United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines, said Alcala was calling for a meeting on September 4 on sugar importation which he said was very good.
Enrique Rojas, president of the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters, also said he was happy the government reduced the planned 150,000-ton importation of sugar to 100,000, which would be enough to tide domestic needs over until the start of sugar milling in the country.
Rojas said the sugar production in the next crop year was expected to drop so another importation might be needed next year.
Rojas and Reynaldo Bantug, chairman of the Negros Panay Chapter of the Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations, also said they were happy about Alcala's decision to consult the sugar industry on any proposed sugar importation.
