BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) should be led by a Negrense, according to Congressman-elect Emilio “Dino” Yulo of Negros Occidental’s 5th District.
SRA is a government-owned and controlled corporation attached to the Department of Agriculture and is responsible for promoting the growth and development of the sugar industry through greater participation of the private sector.
It is also tasked to improve the working conditions of sugar industry laborers.
Why should a Negrense head SRA?
Yulo said Negros Occidental produces 66 percent or two-thirds of the nation’s sugar production.
“A Negrense SRA chief would understand the overall sugar industry situation,” Yulo added.
Recently, SRA issued Sugar Order 3 allowing sugar imports. This was opposed by sugar industry stakeholders in the province that included planters, millers and laborers.
“Since SRA administrator Hermenegildo Serafica is not here, the sentiments of the Negrenses were not sought,” Yulo said.
Yulo said he would lobby to President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the appointment of a Negrense to the SRA./PN
