MANILA – 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 tackle concerns over the low prices of raw sugar observed during the first sugar bidding in Negros on October 9.

The bidding, which marked the start of the 38-week harvest season, saw low participation from major traders due to market hesitation influenced by conflicting statements from sugarcane farmer groups.

To restore confidence among industry stakeholders, Tiu-Laurel, Azcona, and Sanson assured 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 Tiu-Laurel and Azcona.

The officials also agreed to maintain a two-month buffer stock of refined sugar to ensure market stability. Any sugar imports, if needed, will remain classified strictly as reserve (C) sugar and will not directly enter the domestic market.

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 expanded its planted areas from 380,000 hectares to 409,000 this year. Under the leadership of Tiu-Laurel and Azcona, farmgate prices have remained stable, encouraging more farmers to grow sugarcane, while retail prices have held steady, benefiting both producers and consumers in sugarcane-growing communities.