Sugar Industry Urges SRA to Release Crop Estimate

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is being urged to publish its official crop estimate for the upcoming harvest, along with supply-demand projections starting in September, before implementing new policies.

This call comes from the Sugar Council and the National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines (NACUSIP) in response to recent SRA statements regarding an alleged decline in sugar production, issued on Wednesday.

In a joint statement, both groups emphasized that the reported “96% decrease in sugar production during the first three weeks of milling” should be viewed in context.

The groups explained that the early data does not yet provide enough evidence to draw conclusions about the new crop’s overall production.

First, they pointed out that comparing data from two different periods could lead to misleading conclusions.

Records show that in September 2023, a total of nine sugar mills were operational, producing 61,285 metric tons of sugar.

In contrast, only one mill was operating in September 2024, producing just 5,645 metric tons—a 90% lower output than the same period last year.

However, the groups clarified that this slow start in milling is likely due to delays caused by the prolonged dry season that affected Negros this year.

Despite this, field observations suggest that the standing crop is recovering well.

The groups expressed concern that the report may create the impression that sugar production will drop drastically, potentially justifying premature sugar importation to address a projected shortage.

“We cannot be guided by speculation or misimpressions,” the groups stressed.

They reiterated the need for the SRA to publish its official crop estimate and supply-demand projections for the coming months before introducing any new policies.

The SRA, they noted, has the resources and mandate to provide such essential information. Unfortunately, this data is not available as of this writing.

The groups also pointed out a discrepancy in the SRA’s figures. The SRA reported 134,780 metric tons produced in the first three weeks of last year as the basis for its claimed 96% drop. However, official records reflect a figure of 61,285 metric tons for that same period.

The Sugar Council and NACUSIP hope the SRA will clarify these figures for the benefit of the entire industry.