Piñol to review viability of sugarcane syrup

BACOLOD CITY – Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol will look into the viability of High Fructose Sugarcane Syrup (HFSS) to ensure the survival of the local sugar industry here in Negros.

This came up after a research study on how to extract HFSS was presented to him and other sugar stakeholders during the industry forum held in line to his visit in the province last week.

The study was presented to the body by Teodoro Infante at the industry forum at Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) office here in Bacolod City.

Piñol said he will look into its viability.

He added that R300 million has already been allocated to the research program under the Sugar Industry Development Act (SIDA).

“We are also looking for ways on how to recover the R1 billion taken by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) from the Sugarcane Industry Development Act(SIDA),” he added.

Under the SIDA law, there should be a total allocation of R2 billion for the sugar industry.

During the industry forum, Mayor Jose Nadie Arceo of Hinigaran town, who is also a sugar planter, said sugar producers are now operating at a loss because they now sell their produce at R1,300 per 50-kilogram bag, way below the usual R1,800 normal price. (Mark L. Garcia)