Manila: The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) on Tuesday received support from two major sugar planters' federations, while a Negros Occidental lawmaker filed a bill amending the 11-year-old Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SIDA).
According to Philippines News Agency, the United Sugar Producers Federation (UNIFED) and the Luzon Federation of Sugarcane Growers Association (LuzonFed) issued a joint statement of support amid calls from other federations for the ouster of SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona, who hails from Negros Occidental, and the members of the SRA Board.
UNIFED chairman Manuel Lamata stated that replacing leadership would not resolve the issues faced by the sugar industry, emphasizing that any new leadership would inherit the same structural challenges. He reiterated full support for the current Sugar Board led by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel, Administrator Azcona, and the board members, condemning calls for their replacement.
Lamata, leading the country's largest independent sugar planters' group, criticized other groups for blaming the Sugar Board for the drop in sugar prices. He highlighted that the same board previously provided favorable prices and fulfilled its commitments by raising productivity, expanding support through the SIDA, and delivering tangible gains across the industry.
He noted that while these gains are real, the recurring cycle of strong prices followed by sharp declines indicates persistent structural gaps. Lamata emphasized the need to address gaps in data, market coordination, efficiency, and transparency to prevent future cycles.
Lamata urged farmers affected by low sugar prices to look beyond challenges and work together to enhance the industry's resilience and competitiveness. He called for responsibility, unity, and a shared commitment to immediate support and long-term reform among all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez filed House Bill 9088 or the Tunay na Ugnayan, Buhay, at Oportunidad sa Asukal (TUBO) Act of 2026 to amend Republic Act 10659 or the SIDA of 2025. Benitez advocated for smarter sugar policies, tighter regulation on imports and sweeteners, stronger protection for farmers, climate-resilient investments, and a more transparent, inclusive SRA.
Benitez's initiative followed a congressional hearing on the sugar industry's status with the House Committee on Agriculture and Food in February. The law mandates an annual funding of PHP2 billion for the SIDA's implementation, aimed at increasing production efficiency in sugarcane farms and sugar mills through research, technological innovation, infrastructure, and human resource development.
Negros Occidental, known as the sugar capital of the Philippines, accounts for about 60 percent of the country's sugar output.
