January 27, 2015
The Visayan Daily Star, By Gilbert Bayoran
Sugar is still a very good business with productivity doing well, despite the implementation of the Asean Free Trade Area agreement starting this month, Sugar Regulatory Administrator Ma. Regina Bautista-Martin said yesterday.
“The price is still very competitive inspite (of the fact) that the world market is heavy on surplus, on sugar,” Martin said. The SRA chief said they have noted a much higher demand for sugar in the country, and have not monitored the entry of imported sugar, as of now.
Martin encouraged local industry players to patronize Philippine sugar. The Sugarcane Industry Development Act of 2014 authored by Rep. Alfredo Benitez, that has already been approved by the bicameral conference committee of Congress, aims to help the sugar industry and soften the impact of AFTA on the industry, with the entry of imported sugar into the country with a zero tariff.
There is a good future for the sugar industry as long as we will continue to fulfill its road map, Martin said.
She also said that they are closely working for the Sugarcane Act bill, and the Department of Budget and Management is asking them how to enhance and improve the sugar industry, such as the farm-to-mill road, irrigation system and fertilizer assistance.
The bicameral conference committee approved the proposed bill, including its P2 billion budget annually. Benitez and sugar industry leaders expect it to be signed by President Benigno Aquino III next month.
Reference: http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/January/27/topstory5.htm