• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines (NACUSIP-TUCP) and the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Council (ARB Council) have urged the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to classify 100 percent of locally produced sugar as “B” or domestic sugar for crop year 2026–2027.
In a position paper submitted to the SRA, NACUSIP and ARB Council said the policy is needed to protect local sugar producers, stabilize prices and safeguard the livelihoods of sugar workers, farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries.
The call comes amid the SRA’s projection that raw sugar production could fall to 1.662 million metric tons in the coming crop year, with the agency citing the impact of red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation.
The projection would represent the lowest output in more than two decades.
NACUSIP president Roland de la Cruz said the projected decline, coupled with domestic demand, makes it necessary to prioritize locally produced sugar before any importation is considered.
De la Cruz also warned that excessive or premature imports could depress millgate and farmgate prices, affecting workers, small farmers and ARBs dependent on sugarcane production.
NACUSIP and ARB Council further asked the SRA to closely monitor production and domestic withdrawals, ensure transparency in future allocation adjustments, and include workers and ARB representatives in consultations on sugar supply and pricing.
The position also seeks to prevent export-related arrangements from becoming a channel for additional imports.
The SRA has previously allocated 100 percent of local sugar production to the domestic market under its sugar policy, citing the need to maintain domestic supply amid tight production. | GPB
