MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is on track to achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production in the coming years, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said, citing a recorded output of 2.015 million metric tons.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. cited the latest data from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), which showed raw sugar production reaching 2.015 million metric tons (MT) as of June 8 — surpassing the 2-million MT mark for the first time since crop year 2020-2021.

“This steady increase in raw sugar production under this administration shows that there is potential we can hit production demand of 2.3 million metric tons given the right conditions and sustained support for the industry,” Tiu Laurel said.

The current output marks a 300,000 MT jump from the initial projection of 1.7 million MT, or about six million bags of sugar. The SRA recorded 1.922 million MT in the previous crop year and 1.799 million MT in crop year 2022-2023, which was already a recovery from earlier disruptions due to weather and supply issues.

The DA attributed the rise in production to various government interventions, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s approval of the cropping calendar shift from August to October 1 starting 2025, better climatic alignment, and improved sugarcane varieties. Support initiatives such as timely fertilizer distribution and expanded farm mechanization also contributed to the increase.

“We’re working closely with farmers, millers, and other stakeholders to ensure that this upward trend continues,” Tiu Laurel said, noting that the President envisions the country becoming a global sugar supplier.

SRA administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said the administration’s support has made a significant impact on farm productivity. “The concern and effort of government under Pres. Marcos and DA Sec. Tiu Laurel on improving sugarcane production is the biggest in the history of the SRA, and we are slowly seeing the results,” he said.

Azcona added that improved soil management, better irrigation, and mechanization efforts will continue to push production upward. He also noted that stable sugarcane prices and rising output benefit both producers and consumers through lower retail prices.

With a few weeks of milling still left, the SRA projects that the country will meet domestic demand and keep sugar prices stable in the near term.