BACOLOD CITY – Pablo Luis Azcona, the head of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), expressed a positive outlook for the sugar industry following a meeting with key stakeholders on January 21, 2025. The gathering, held at the SRA office in Bacolod City, focused on discussing Sugar Order No. 2, which encourages the voluntary purchase of local sugar for reclassification as reserve sugar, aiding in future importation strategies.
Azcona highlighted the enthusiastic reception of the order by various industry groups, especially farmers, noting that it is poised to stabilize sugar prices at levels beneficial to both producers and consumers. Attendees included representatives from the Philippine Sugar Millers Association, Philippine Association of Sugar Refiners Inc., and major sugar federations such as UNIFED, CONFED, NFSP, and PANAYFED.
The administrator emphasized that ongoing collaboration within the industry would lead to significant benefits. Sugar Order No. 2 opens up opportunities for domestic sugar traders, including individual farmers, groups, and cooperatives, to engage in the program. This initiative mirrors last year’s successful program, which implemented a performance-based import allocation system, incentivizing support for local farmers with increased future import allocations.
The Sugar Council, comprising CONFED, NFSP, and PANAYFED, commended Azcona for his proactive approach in developing the program and engaging with stakeholders prior to finalizing the order. They expressed confidence that the program would not only support sugar farmers but also enhance industry collaboration.