November 5, 2019
Erwin P. Nicavera (SunStar Bacolod) | https://bit.ly/33ZzfBM
"WHETHER us or them, it does not matter."
This was the statement of Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations (Confed) national spokesperson Raymond Montinola on who will initiate first the talk between them and food processors regarding the issue on sugar import liberalization.
Montinola, also the convenor of Tatak Kalamay, a national movement composed of multi-sectoral groups supporting the sugar industry, said they recognized the importance of sitting down with the industry users.
"We are very thankful that they changed their beliefs on [sugar import] liberalization," he said, adding that it is a very welcoming sign and it could add more weight to their opposition towards liberalization.
The Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization Incorporated (Philfoodex) earlier made a pronouncement that it is not supporting the proposed liberalization or deregulation of sugar importation.
Its president Roberto Amores, also the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) director, said they are supporting the suggestion to rationalize sugar or import only what is needed.
Some staunch supporters of the sugar industry earlier claimed that it was the industry users who are convincing the economic managers to push for the sugar import liberalization.
Amores, through Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) chief executive officer Frank Carbon, however, said they will retract.
This means that if there is an importation, the food processors will just import half of their requirements.
For Tatak Kalamay, they must admit though that they remain skeptical about the pronouncement of the food processors and will continue to be vigilant.
"But for the good of the sugar industry, we are extending our hand of conciliation and our willingness to sit down and resolve their issues and ours on the table," the group had said.
As this developed, Montinola said they have yet to discuss within the group on how to approach the impending talks with food processors.
"Maybe them, or us, it doesn't matter as long as there are going to be consultations on how to proceed with this move," he added.
For the sugar industry stakeholders in the country, including farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Negros Occidental, the fate of the sugar industry remains uncertain amid the proposed liberalization of sugar importation especially by the Department of Finance.
The call to stop such scheme has been gaining support both from the Senate and House of Representatives. In fact, Negrense congressmen are calling for an inquiry on sugar import liberalization plan.
The move mainly seeks to get the clear stand of the Department of Agriculture and Sugar Regulatory Administration, which were earlier slammed because of their "deafening" silence on the issue.
Some member-groups of Tatak Kalamay have even called for the resignation of SRA Administrator Heremenegildo Serafica, claiming that the latter has failed to protect the sugar industry.