Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr., Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Paul Azcona, and SRA Board Member and Farmers’ Representative Dave Sanson met recently to address concerns over the low prices of raw sugar seen during the first sugar bidding in Negros on October 9. Sugar biddings are held weekly throughout the harvest season, typically spanning 38 weeks.
Initial discussions with sugar traders revealed market hesitation, largely influenced by conflicting statements from various sugarcane farmer groups. As a result, major traders refrained from purchasing sugar during the previous bidding.
To restore confidence among farmers, millers, and traders, Secretary Tiu Laurel, Administrator Azcona, and Board Member Sanson jointly assured stakeholders that no sugar importation is planned until the end of the current milling season, projected between May and June 2026.
“Let us be clear—there is, and never was, any talk of an importation program for Crop Year 2025-2026 until we finish significant milling, have firm production figures, and ensure any imports would only be classified as C or reserve sugar,” said Sec. Tiu Laurel and Admin. Azcona.
In the same meeting, it was agreed that a two-month buffer stock of refined sugar will be maintained at all times to ensure market stability. All sugar imports, if any, will continue to be classified strictly as reserve (C) sugar and not enter the domestic market directly.
Farmers’ Representative Dave Sanson welcomed the decision, saying, “This move assures our farmers that the current administration prioritizes their welfare. It’s a welcome development, and we hope this stabilizes prices now that speculation has been addressed.”
Since 2022, the sugar industry has seen a steady expansion in planted areas—from 380,000 hectares to 409,000 this year. Under the leadership of Secretary Tiu-Laurel and Administrator Azcona, farmgate prices have remained stable, encouraging more farmers to grow sugarcane. Retail prices have also held steady, benefiting both farmers and consumers, many of whom come from sugarcane-growing communities.
