October 17, 2025
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/10/17/regions/probe-on-declining-sugarcane-prices-pressed/2202351
BACOLOD CITY — The Himamaylan city council has called on national government agencies overseeing the sugar industry to investigate the drastic decline in price of sugarcane.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Himamaylan, during its regular session presided by Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao on Tuesday, passed a resolution calling for a government intervention to support sugarcane growers distressingly facing low prices of sugar.
The city council, at the same time, echoed a call made by 10 lawmakers from the Negros Island Region (NIR), who urged the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to immediately address and issue a transparent and data-based explanation on the sharp decline in sugar prices.
Data from the Department of Agrarian Reformn that Himamaylan City has the highest number of agrarian reform beneficiaries in Negros Occidental, the top producer of sugar, with its Victoria Mill accounting for 30 percent of the country’s daily demand for refined sugar.
Recent reports, however, show the millgate price for sugar has plunged to about P2,200 per 50-kilogram bag, a level nearly P300 below the estimated production cost, the legislators said in a joint statement on Oct. 14.
The city resolution aligns with the call of congressmen in the NIR for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Gatuslao echoed the sentiments of Negros Occidental 5th District Rep. Dino Yulo, who cited the need for transparency from the SRA towards sugarcane planters regarding current market conditions.
“Industry leaders warn that if unchecked, such price collapse could worsen poverty in rural sugar districts, where more than 60 percent of households depend on sugarcane, as either principal or supplementary income,” the lawmakers said.
The Negros lawmakers said they want the SRA to explain the reasons behind the sudden price collapse, including the effects of recent importation, pest infestations, and shifts in market demand.
They also called on relevant agencies and stakeholders to act with urgency and accountability to cushion the blow of collapsing sugar prices and restore stability to the industry.
“Negros Occidental remains the country’s top sugar producing province, accounting for nearly half of total national output,” the lawmakers pointed out.
They said the decline in prices could cripple thousands of families who are dependent on the crop for income and employment, they averred.
The 10 Negros Island lawmakers who signed the press statement included Negros Occidental Reps. Julio Ledesma IV, Alfredo Marañon III, Javier Miguel Benitez, Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Jeffrey Ferrer, Emilio Bernardino Yulo III and Mercedes Alvarez as well as Negros Oriental Reps. Emmanuel Iway, Maisa Sagarbarria, and Janice Degamo.