NegOcc guv bucks proposal to abolish SRA

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson believes that the Sugar Regulatory Administration remains important and can still help improve the country’s sugar industry as long as it is well managed. PROV’L GOV’T OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL/FB
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson believes that the Sugar Regulatory Administration remains important and can still help improve the country’s sugar industry as long as it is well managed. PROV’L GOV’T OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL/FB

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has voiced his disapproval over a proposal of  Manila 6th District congressman Bienvenido Abante, Jr. to abolish the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).

Based on House Bill No. 5081, Abante accused the SRA of failing to address the issues on production and cost of sugar, and he seeks its powers and functions be transferred back to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

He also accused former officials of the SRA of being “incompetent and corrupt.”

Abante also pointed out SRA’s failure in achieving higher local production of sugar because it has imposed various restrictions on the domestic sugar industry.

Lacson disagreed with Abante, pointing out that SRA has complete knowledge of the local sugar industry.

SRA can help improve the sugar industry as long as it is well-managed, said Lacson.

Lacson warns of negative impacts if the SRA is abolished or replaced by a new organization, adding that the public should give the agency’s newly-appointed officials a chance.

During last month’s 68th PHILSUTECH Annual National Convention in Bacolod City, sugar planters voiced their disapproval against the proposed abolition of the SRA.

Fifth District congressman Emilio “Dino” Yulo III said the abolition will result to the unabated importation of sugar, similar to what is happening in the rice industry.

“We cannot do away with the regulatory powers of the SRA,” he pointed out.

SRA Board Member Pablo Luis Azcona, who is representing the sugar planters, said the agency is necessary to regulate the sugar industry.

Some businessmen care only about making profits, and have very little or do not care at all about the sugar farmers, he pointed out.

United Sugar Producers Federation president Manuel Lamata is also against abolishing the SRA, as it is still effective in protecting the local sugar industry.

Lamata said the problem lies with the people manning the agency before.

Luzon Federation of Sugarcane Growers Association President Cornelio Toreja, for his part, said  abolishing the SRA and incorporating it with the DA will do more harm than good to the industry.

He pointed out Luzon currently produces nine percent of the country’s total sugar supply, with the province of Batangas being the biggest sugar producer in Luzon./PN

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