NextGen Day

MANILA, Philippines — The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), which is part of the Department of Agriculture (DA), lambasted people as opposed to the government importing 350,000 metric tons of sugar on Monday, claiming that the matter has become politicized.

SRA Administrator Hermenegildo Serafica stated in a statement that critics have failed to address two important aspects of the issue: sugar availability and affordability.

“The subject of sugar imports has become exceedingly political as a result of the stirring of those who just contemplate their own self-interests.” “What the opponents of importation have overlooked is the question of food security, specifically the availability of supply and the cost of sugar,” he stated.

The predicted raw sugar output for the crop year 2021-2022, according to the SRA, is roughly 1,982,721.97 metric tons, which is 160,000 metric tons less than the actual raw sugar production of 2,143,018 metric tons for the crop year 2020-2021.

“We have 228,690-metric tons of carryover domestic raw sugar stock from the previous crop year, giving us a total raw sugar supply of 2,211,411 metric tons, whereas (the) expected raw sugar demand is 2,200,379 metric tons,” Serafica added.

Demand has risen.

Serafica warned of low supplies and record-high sugar price spikes as the pandemic’s alarm levels have been reduced.

“As a result, especially in light of the increased demand for sugar as a result of the economy’s opening up, SRA has determined that local sugar output would not be sufficient to meet our domestic consumption in the next months, notably from June to August,” he stated.

He then blamed the drop in production on the effects of Typhoon Odette and La Nia, predicting that another pause in production is on the way.

“Five sugar refineries have already halted refining, and the remainder are scheduled to suspend refining in the next weeks until the second week of June,” he stated.

The SRA issued a challenge to critics in the event that the country’s supply runs out.

“Can you picture what would happen if there was no sugar in the local market for consumers, food sellers, or manufacturers?” Will those who oppose importation be held liable if we run short of sugar?” I wonder. Serafica remarked.

Senators Imee Marcos, Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, among others, have asked the DA to veto the SRA’s plan, arguing that the administration must strike a balance and prioritize the concerns of small farmers.

“Kung hindi naman kailangan mag-import, ‘wag muna… unahin muna nating bilihin itong mga produkto ng ating local farmers dahil ang makikinabang po dito ‘yung maliliit,” she said.

Isang kahig, isang tuka yung mga isang kahig, isang tuka yung mga isang kahi (Let’s skip the import if it’s not necessary.) Meanwhile, let us prioritize the buying of products required by our local farmers, which will aid the little ones. Those who are just scraping by),” Go explained.

The National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) had previously accused the DA-SRA of “planning” the sugar industry’s demise, particularly among small shareholders, on April 8.

John Milton, NFSW Secretary-General “Ka Butch” Lozande claimed that the department was simply creating excuses without listening to the concerns of sugar planters who were also affected by rising fertilizer prices.

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