Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson calls for unity among sugar industry stakeholders, in the wake of what others described as “word war” between Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer and newly-installed Sugar Regulatory Administration Board member Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama.
“Mr. Valderrama already made an open letter, and he recognizes the authority of the President. He is at the disposal of the President,” Lacson said.
Valderrama maintained that he did not seek for the position as SRA Board member, nor did he entertain the idea of getting it, explaining that he was even surprised that it was not given to somebody close to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Ferrer earlier vowed to find a way to revoke the appointment of Valderrama, who had campaigned for the presidential bid of then Vice President Leni Robredo. The vice governor said he was provoked to do so.
The Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations Inc., Panay Federation of Sugarcane Farmers Inc., and the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters Inc., which collectively comprise 57.48 percent of the total sugar production, expressed their support to the appointment of Valderrama as SRA Board member, representing the planters.
In a joint statement, the three sugar planters’ groups said that Valderrama is an excellent choice to represent the planters as member of the SRA Board, as he adheres to the spirit of teamwork and consultation in matters that affect the industry as a whole.
Lacson said “it is not good to say that there is now a brewing disagreement between groups here in Negros Occidental. After all, we should be united, and we should be solid for the sugar industry”.
He added that he is thankful to Vice Gov. Ferrer for his role in the decision of the President to reject the proposed importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar by the SRA, with the onset of the milling season.
“We have to give that credit also to Vice Gov. Ferrer in his new assignment as Personal Adviser for Western Visayas of the President,” Lacson said.
As to the appointment of Valderrama, Lacson said, “I think the move of the President also emphasized that he was calling for unity during the campaign period, and he wants that unity to actually prosper.”/GB
