UNIFED praises DA, SRA for higher sugar prices

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – The United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines (UNIFED) has expressed gratitude for the increase in sugar prices to levels satisfactory for farmers. They extend their thanks to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel and Sugar Regulatory Administrator Pablo Azcona for their significant roles in this achievement.

UNIFED President Manuel Lamata acknowledged on Monday the contributions of Secretary Laurel, Administrator Azcona, and SRA Board planter representative Dave Sanson, who provided solutions to the initial low millgate prices at the beginning of the milling season.

Lamata recalled that UNIFED’s initial plea was made when millgate prices were at a mere P2,400 per 50-kilo bag, insufficient for farmers to break even, especially those with smaller farms facing high production costs.

The federation promptly sought help from the DA and SRA, which led to the issuance of Sugar Order No. 2. Following this, prices began to rise, now averaging P2,850 per 50-kilo bag. “This is a big relief to planters who are also dealing with problems caused by El Nino,” Lamata stated.

He praised the DA and SRA for their ongoing efforts to address the challenges of sugar farmers and expressed hope that the recent sugar order would become a standard practice in the coming years. This would guarantee stable and competitive pricing for their millgate produce.