January 20, 2015
Sugaronline
The proposed Sugarcane Industry Development Act of 2014 will pave the way for the growth of two other major products from sugarcane instead of just sugar alone, said Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) president, Frank Carbon, according to the Philippines' Information Agency.
In a PIA interview, Carbon said that the Sugarcane Act aims to develop fuel ethanol and power from biomass from sugarcane in addition to the production of sugar in Negros.
He cited that about 60-80% of the Negros Island's livelihood and subsistence comes from sugar, and the addition of ethanol and biomass industries could lead to investments that will give more jobs to people.
The fuel ethanol and biomass will stabilize the sugar industry because Negros will no longer rely on "1 crop, 1 product" or producing solely sugar from one crop, he said.
"The sugar industry must be preserved by strengthening it through improved productivity of farms, efficient transport and proficient milling system," stressed Carbon.
More than 300, 000 direct and indirect laborers will be affected if the sugar industry will not be protected and preserved, he said
Direct labor consists of the production of the sugar from the farm to the mill while indirect labor includes, trucking, fuel, wheel supplies, auto supplies and sack production, among others.
Reference: http://sugaronline.com/news/website_contents/view/1239046#sthash.O9ON7gN...