NACUSIP demands sugar reforms, transparency before hearing

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry issued a manifesto of solidarity calling for urgent government action to prevent what it described as the impending collapse of the Philippine sugar industry.

The group, composed of small-scale sugar farmers, agrarian reform beneficiaries and sugar field and mill workers, said in a press statement Wednesday that the crisis stems from reckless overimportation, unregulated molasses entry and policy decisions that have led to plummeting mill-gate prices.

NACUSIP said declining prices have forced farmers to harvest prematurely, sell at a loss and fall deeper into debt, pushing many agrarian reform beneficiaries and small planters toward poverty.

The group said the situation represents not just a policy failure but a betrayal of those whose livelihoods depend on the sugar industry.

The manifesto was issued ahead of a congressional hearing scheduled for Jan. 23, 2026, during which NACUSIP said it would demand accountability and reforms.

It warned against decisions being made through what it called “backroom elitist talks” that exclude farmers and workers.

Among its key demands is the full disclosure and publication of Sugar Board minutes, particularly those related to Sugar Order No. 8.

The group called on the Sugar Regulatory Administration to release detailed and disaggregated data on imported sugar volumes, classifications, withdrawals by beverage manufacturers, existing refined sugar inventories at the time of importation and deliberations behind the export program with import replenishment.

NACUSIP also urged authorities to identify traders allegedly favored by the Sugar Board, likening the situation to controversies involving preferred contractors in previous government procurement cases.

The labor federation further called for the immediate removal of David Sanson from the SRA Board, accusing him of failing to protect the interests of small farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries amid record-low farm-gate prices.

It also urged Congress to amend Executive Order No. 18, which governs the SRA, saying the agency’s structure favors a select few and does not reflect the sector’s true composition.

NACUSIP proposed expanding board representation to include small-scale farmers, agrarian reform beneficiaries, sugar field and ethanol workers and legitimate consumer groups.

To address immediate distress, the group called for a Sustainable Sugar Buying Program to guarantee a fair and stable floor price for sugarcane.

It also urged the immediate release of emergency cash assistance to distressed agrarian reform beneficiaries, warning that bureaucratic delays are worsening hunger in farming communities.

NACUSIP further sought a one-year moratorium on penalties and interest on loans for agrarian reform beneficiaries and cooperatives, saying current terms trap farmers in debt.

“This is a call for courage, empathy and true nationalism,” NACUSIP said, urging lawmakers to prioritize local producers over sugar imports.

The group vowed to continue pressing for reforms until transparency, accountability and justice are achieved in the sugar sector.

Meanwhile, sugar farmers and their families in Panay are set to hold a rally Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Passi Public Plaza to protest persistently low sugar and molasses prices.

The rally is being spearheaded by the Jalasig Sugarcane Planters Association with other planters’ groups and sugar industry stakeholders.

“We are holding this rally to emphasize the severity of our plight,” said Jalasig president Hernando Y. Divinagracia Jr..

“The persistently low mill-gate prices of sugar and molasses have resulted in widespread financial losses to us,” he said.

“These current price levels threaten the survival of farming households and the sustainability of the sugar industry,” he added.

Divinagracia blamed unregulated and excessive importation and the lack of clear, transparent and institutionalized sugar policies.

He urged the government to take immediate action to stabilize prices and protect farmer incomes.

Expected to attend the rally are Matt Palabrica and Provincial Board Member Mark Palabrica.

Also set to join are Jalasig officers, officials of other planters’ associations and other industry figures.

Divinagracia called on fellow sugar farmers to participate and collectively press for equitable prices.

The rally will serve as a prelude to a public hearing by the House Committee on Agriculture and Food chaired by Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga on Friday, Jan. 23.

The hearing will be held at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City.

The inquiry follows House resolutions filed by Javier Miguel L. Benitez and Howard A. Guinto seeking to investigate the steep decline in mill-gate prices of sugar and molasses and their economic impact on producers, farmers and workers.

Divinagracia said sugar farmers are preparing a manifesto to be discussed during the rally and formally presented to lawmakers at the hearing.