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Advocates Philippines
Sen JV Ejercito Sees Problem In Government Dependence On Sugar Importation
Photo credit: Senate of the Philippines
In a public inquiry conducted by the Blue Ribbon Committee on Monday, May 8, 2023, Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito expressed his disappointment over the lack of improvement in the sugarcane industry in the Philippines. Ejercito pointed out that even after the enactment of Republic Act (RA) No. 10659 (Sugarcane Industry Development Law) and RA 10845 (Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Law) in 2015 and 2016, respectively, the industry has failed to progress.
Ejercito lamented the dependence of government agencies on imported sugar instead of developing the industry in sugar-producing regions like the Negros Region. He expressed his frustration that if the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Law and the Sugarcane Industry Development Act were properly implemented, the sugarcane industry in Negros would have been in a better position by now.
"It is sad that despite passing the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Law, they grew accustomed to importation," Ejercito said in Filipino. He also highlighted that although smuggling might have been eliminated, the problem has now shifted to importation, which still poses a threat to the sugarcane industry.
The issue of multiple entries of sugar shipments in Philippine ports was also brought up during the inquiry. Ejercito called on government agencies to prioritize the development of the local sugar industry and to address the issue of importation. He emphasized the importance of supporting local farmers and promoting the growth of the local economy.
Ejercito lamented the dependence of government agencies on imported sugar instead of developing the industry in sugar-producing regions like the Negros Region. He expressed his frustration that if the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Law and the Sugarcane Industry Development Act were properly implemented, the sugarcane industry in Negros would have been in a better position by now.
"It is sad that despite passing the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Law, they grew accustomed to importation," Ejercito said in Filipino. He also highlighted that although smuggling might have been eliminated, the problem has now shifted to importation, which still poses a threat to the sugarcane industry.
The issue of multiple entries of sugar shipments in Philippine ports was also brought up during the inquiry. Ejercito called on government agencies to prioritize the development of the local sugar industry and to address the issue of importation. He emphasized the importance of supporting local farmers and promoting the growth of the local economy.
May 8, 2023
