BACOLOD CITY – Pablo Luis Azcona, the head of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), expressed a positive outlook on Thursday regarding the robust backing from various stakeholders in the sugar industry. This support was evident during a recent meeting held at the SRA office in Bacolod City on January 21, 2025, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of the sector.
The meeting focused on Sugar Order No. 2, a policy that encourages the voluntary purchase of local sugar for reclassification as reserve sugar. This initiative is designed to help stabilize sugar prices at levels that are profitable for both farmers and consumers. Azcona noted that the policy was well-received, especially by farmers’ groups.
Representatives from key industry bodies such as the Philippine Sugar Millers Association, Philippine Association of Sugar Refiners Inc., and major sugar federations including UNIFED, CONFED, NFSP, and PANAYFED attended the meeting. Azcona emphasized that the unity and collaboration shown at the meeting are promising signs for the industry’s growth.
Sugar Order No. 2 also opens up opportunities for licensed domestic sugar traders, including individual farmers, groups, and cooperatives, to participate in the program. This initiative mirrors last year’s program, which implemented a performance-based import allocation system. Under this system, those who support local farmers are rewarded with larger future import allocations.
The Sugar Council, comprising CONFED, NFSP, and PANAYFED, commended Azcona for his efforts in developing the program and engaging with stakeholders before finalizing the sugar order. They expressed optimism about the program’s potential to support sugar farmers and enhance collaboration within the industry.