The National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines (Nacusip-TUCP) and its partner groups are urgently calling on the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to provide clear details on a proposed plan to ship a large volume of Philippine sugar to the United States.
Call for Transparency on Major Export Plan
Roland de la Cruz, the national president of Nacusip-TUCP, revealed that the SRA has announced intentions to export 100,000 metric tons of sugar to the US. This announcement comes at a critical time for the local sugar sector, which has been grappling with declining prices and persistent challenges for farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries since the milling season began in October 2025.
De la Cruz pointed out a significant lack of public information, stating that no official sugar order detailing the framework and guidelines for this export program has been published. "Why has the SRA not yet published the sugar order that will govern the export of such a significant volume?" he questioned. He emphasized that this absence of documentation fuels concerns about transparency and stakeholder involvement in the crucial decision-making process.
Financial Risks and Timing Concerns Raised
The union leader also raised serious questions about the potential financial fallout of the export plan. He highlighted the volatility of global sugar prices and the risk of incurring losses. "Who will absorb the financial impact if the export program results in losses? Will government funds be used to subsidize the transactions?" de la Cruz asked.
He further argued that if subsidies are on the table for exports, the government should explain why similar financial support cannot be directed toward a government-financed domestic sugar buying program proposed by industry stakeholders. "Clear information on subsidy mechanisms is important for public understanding of the program," he stated.
Nacusip-TUCP and the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Council also expressed strong reservations about the timing of the SRA's announcement. Council chairperson Elisama Gregorio noted that the plan was revealed several months into the milling season, a period during which farmers and beneficiaries have already been under severe financial strain.
Appeal for Relief and Sustainable Policy
In light of the current price slump, Gregorio appealed to the Land Bank of the Philippines to consider a moratorium on penalties, interest, and other charges on loans held by agrarian reform beneficiaries and their organizations. This relief, she argued, is urgently needed to help them weather the difficult market conditions.
Looking forward, Gregorio stressed that all future policy measures for the sugar industry must be built on a foundation of transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. She concluded that such policies must carefully balance the welfare of farmers with the broader national interest to ensure the sector's resilience.
