• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Sugar production in Negros Occidental is expected to decline by about 12 percent at the start of the 2026-2027 milling season amid rising production costs and lower sugarcane yield and tonnage.
Negros Occidental Fifth District Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo said the province’s sugar industry continues to face challenges as milling operations get underway, with the milling season starting around Oct. 1.
In a radio interview, Yulo, a former Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) board member, said production costs have risen to about P2,400 to P2,500 per bag of sugar, driven by higher expenses for farm inputs and other operations.
He expressed hope that sugar prices will also increase to help offset the higher costs.
SRA Administrator Pablo Azcona said sugar prices at the opening of the milling season could be better than last year, citing lower inventory levels and stronger demand.
Azcona said stocks of raw and refined sugar, as well as molasses have declined, creating conditions that could push prices higher as milling gets underway.
He said farmers and millers are hoping for a price of at least P2,600 per bag although the actual price will depend on supply, demand and other factors when milling progresses.
Azcona also cited concerns over rising production costs, including irrigation, hauling and fertilizer expenses, which are affected by higher petroleum prices.
He said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. had discussed these cost pressures with industry stakeholders, noting that petroleum-based inputs are expected to become more expensive.
Meanwhile, Azcona said milling operations had already started in some areas on Sept. 28, marking the beginning of the new sugar production cycle. | GPB
