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Advocates Philippines
Sugar Industry Stakeholders Meet With PBBM
Photo credit: PCO
President Marcos held a crucial meeting with key stakeholders in the sugar industry at Malacañang Palace Wednesday (May 17,2023), marking the first time in years that a president had engaged in such a comprehensive dialogue.
The discussions primarily centered on addressing concerns and implementing measures to enhance the country's sugar production, as well as the government's plans to foster the development of the industry.
During the meeting, President Marcos revealed that one notable suggestion put forth was the revitalization of the Philippine Sugar Corporation (PhilSuCor). PhilSuCor, established in 1983 under Presidential Decree No. 1890, has historically provided financing to farmers, particularly cooperatives and associations. President Marcos emphasized the need to breathe new life into PhilSuCor and initiate necessary reforms. Exploring potential changes will enable the industry to adapt to the current situation and continue assisting farmers and their groups effectively.
Mayor Jose Nadie Arceo of Negros Occidental, one of the stakeholders present, expressed gratitude to the President for granting them the opportunity to voice the concerns of the beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Mayor Arceo acknowledged that President Marcos was the first chief executive in a long time who genuinely listened to their sentiments. He highlighted the significance of discussing how to improve sugarcane production and praised the President's commitment to supporting small farmers, who comprise 85 to 90 percent of the sugar industry.
Importation issues also took center stage during the meeting. The participants deliberated on the importation schedule for the approved quantity of 150,000 metric tons (MT) of sugar, as well as the process of expanding importation opportunities for all traders.
Furthermore, plans to strengthen the local sugar industry and identify additional sugar lands to boost production were discussed. These initiatives aim to further bolster the industry's growth and secure its long-term sustainability.
Among the government officials attending the meeting were Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile Sr., Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr., Communications Secretary Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil, Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban, Presidential Management Staff Senior Undersecretary Elaine T. Masukat, and Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Acting Administrator Pablo Luis S. Azcona.
In addition to Mayor Arceo, Mayor Benjie Miranda of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, along with prominent figures such as Manuel Lamata from the United Sugar Producers Federation (UNIFED), Cornelio Toreja of Luzon Federation of Sugar Producers Inc. (LUZONFED), Petie Sumagaysay of Kabankalan-Ilog Planters Association (KABILOG PA), Lance Gokongwei of Universal Robina Corp., and Gareth McGeown, representing domestic traders of Coca-Cola, were also present at the meeting. Their collective expertise and perspectives contributed to the comprehensive discussions held during this crucial session.
President Marcos's engagement with all stakeholders in the sugar industry underscores his administration's commitment to fostering dialogue, finding effective solutions, and propelling the growth of vital sectors like agriculture. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to shape future policies and initiatives aimed at promoting the sustainable development of the country's sugar industry.
The discussions primarily centered on addressing concerns and implementing measures to enhance the country's sugar production, as well as the government's plans to foster the development of the industry.
During the meeting, President Marcos revealed that one notable suggestion put forth was the revitalization of the Philippine Sugar Corporation (PhilSuCor). PhilSuCor, established in 1983 under Presidential Decree No. 1890, has historically provided financing to farmers, particularly cooperatives and associations. President Marcos emphasized the need to breathe new life into PhilSuCor and initiate necessary reforms. Exploring potential changes will enable the industry to adapt to the current situation and continue assisting farmers and their groups effectively.
Mayor Jose Nadie Arceo of Negros Occidental, one of the stakeholders present, expressed gratitude to the President for granting them the opportunity to voice the concerns of the beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Mayor Arceo acknowledged that President Marcos was the first chief executive in a long time who genuinely listened to their sentiments. He highlighted the significance of discussing how to improve sugarcane production and praised the President's commitment to supporting small farmers, who comprise 85 to 90 percent of the sugar industry.
Importation issues also took center stage during the meeting. The participants deliberated on the importation schedule for the approved quantity of 150,000 metric tons (MT) of sugar, as well as the process of expanding importation opportunities for all traders.
Furthermore, plans to strengthen the local sugar industry and identify additional sugar lands to boost production were discussed. These initiatives aim to further bolster the industry's growth and secure its long-term sustainability.
Among the government officials attending the meeting were Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile Sr., Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr., Communications Secretary Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil, Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban, Presidential Management Staff Senior Undersecretary Elaine T. Masukat, and Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Acting Administrator Pablo Luis S. Azcona.
In addition to Mayor Arceo, Mayor Benjie Miranda of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, along with prominent figures such as Manuel Lamata from the United Sugar Producers Federation (UNIFED), Cornelio Toreja of Luzon Federation of Sugar Producers Inc. (LUZONFED), Petie Sumagaysay of Kabankalan-Ilog Planters Association (KABILOG PA), Lance Gokongwei of Universal Robina Corp., and Gareth McGeown, representing domestic traders of Coca-Cola, were also present at the meeting. Their collective expertise and perspectives contributed to the comprehensive discussions held during this crucial session.
President Marcos's engagement with all stakeholders in the sugar industry underscores his administration's commitment to fostering dialogue, finding effective solutions, and propelling the growth of vital sectors like agriculture. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to shape future policies and initiatives aimed at promoting the sustainable development of the country's sugar industry.
May 18, 2023
