NFSP slams misreporting of sugar importation stance

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – The National Federation of Sugarcane Planters (NFSP) has denounced what it calls the “malicious use” of its statement on sugar importation by a national newspaper.

NFSP President Enrique D. Rojas issued a strong rebuke Tuesday after the Philippine Daily Inquirer reportedly misrepresented the group’s stance on imports amid the ongoing RSSI pest infestation.

“The National Federation of Sugarcane Planters (NFSP) vehemently condemns the malicious use by the Philippine Daily Inquirer of the NFSP’s statement on importation,” Rojas said.

A news report published on October 3 claimed the NFSP deemed sugar importation necessary due to the crop damage caused by the recent RSSI outbreak.

Rojas clarified that while the pest has affected sugarcane production, the NFSP has never advocated for unregulated imports.

“That news report maliciously misrepresented NFSP’s statement,” he said.

“We have consistently opposed unbridled sugar importation, knowing that excessive importation has caused the decrease in sugar prices for the past crop years.”

Rojas emphasized the federation’s long-standing position in favor of controlled importation, carefully calibrated in volume and timing.

“Our Federation has always called for controlled importation, particularly on the specific volume and schedule of the arrival of imported sugar, so that sugar prices will not be adversely affected,” he said.

He also expressed concern over the over-implementation of Sugar Order No. 8, Series of 2024–2025, which authorized the entry of imported sugar.

“In fact last week, we already communicated to the SRA our concern regarding the excessive importation under Sugar Order No. 8, Series of 2024–2025,” Rojas said.

“We agreed to an initial importation on 150,000 metric tons, but more than that volume has already entered the country, as of September 14,” he added.

The SRA, or Sugar Regulatory Administration, oversees sugar supply management in the Philippines, including issuing sugar import orders.

Rojas warned that if additional imports are allowed, it could jeopardize the start of the 2024–2025 milling season and depress prices even further.

“With a huge projected stock balance and the excessive importation under Sugar Order No. 8, sugar prices will suffer in the early months of the milling season,” he said.

“Under this scenario, additional importation will be suicidal to the sugar industry,” Rojas warned.

He concluded by reiterating the federation’s firm opposition to any further importation at this stage.

“Thus, the NFSP categorically states that it is against any importation at this stage of the crop year,” Rojas stressed.