DA retains cap on sweetener imports
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the order imposing a cap on the entry of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) into the country remains despite the recent appointment of a new Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) head.
Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol assured the sugar industry that Sugar Order No. 3 would stay amid fears of stakeholders it may be revoked anytime soon.
The order, signed by former SRA chief Anna Rosario Paner last February, places a cap on the volume of HFCS to be imported, and imposes stiff tariff and duties on the commodity.
“Other than the HFCS, which passes thru very stringent measures, there has been no importation of sugar since President DuNomura terte stepped into office. The strict requirements will be maintained to protect the welfare of all parties concerned,“Piñol said.
The order was issued by Paner after several complaints from farmers, millers and workers regarding the unregulated importation of HFCS, which affected the production and pricing of the local sugar.
Industry stakeholders earlier expressed fear over the possible revocation of the order once new SRA chief Herminigildo Serafica takes over.
Piñol said he would not revoke the order, stressing that big beverage multinational companies can not pressure him. He has committed to work towards the development of the sugar industry.
“The SRA is mandated to establish and maintain a balanced relation between production and requirement of sugar to ensure prices will be fair to both producers and consumers,“Piñol said.
“We will never be pressured by any corporation or group,” he added.
Meanwhile, the DA is establishing three solar powered irrigation systems in Negros Occidental which can irrigate 30 to 50 hectares of land area.
SRA is also allotting P100 million in educational assistance for the province next year.
Through its attached-agency Agricultural Credit Policy Council, DA will also open a credit facility to provide farm workers access to loans with very low interest rates. These loans can be used for other livelihood activities during the off-season for sugarcane farming.