BACOLOD City – Sugar farmers and industry workers have questioned recent claims by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) regarding a significant drop in sugar production.
The Sugar Council, alongside the National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines (NACUSIP), argued that the reported 96 percent decline in production during the first three weeks of milling should not be taken at face value.
According to the groups, early production figures do not yet provide a clear picture of the upcoming sugar crop.
They highlighted that comparing production across different periods can be misleading. Records show that as of September 23, nine sugar centrals were operational, producing a total of 61,285 metric tons (MT) of sugar.
By contrast, they said, only one mill was operating on September 24, generating just 5,645 MT—a 90 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.
The groups attributed the slow start in milling to a delayed harvest caused by the prolonged dry season that affected Negros. They emphasized that field observations suggest the standing crop is recovering well.
The Sugar Council and NACUSIP further expressed concerns that the reported drop could lead to misconceptions about a potential sugar shortage, which might prompt premature decisions on importation.
“We cannot rely on speculation,” the groups said. “SRA needs to release an official crop estimate and corresponding supply-demand projections from September onwards, followed by appropriate policy proposals.”
The groups also questioned the SRA’s reported figure of 134,780 MT produced during the first three weeks of last year, which the agency used to calculate the 96 percent drop.
According to the Sugar Council, the actual production last year was 61,285 MT, as reflected in official records.
They called on the SRA to clarify the figures for the benefit of all stakeholders.
The Sugar Council is composed of the Confederation of Sugar Producers’ Associations, Inc. (CONFED), the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters (NFSP), and the Panay Federation of Sugarcane Farmers (PANAYFED)./PN
