By Paulo Loreto Lim

Coca-Cola recently put out a press release saying the company uses 100 percent locally-sourced sugar, pointing out it is a practice employed since opening their bottling plant in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City in 1998.
“We wish to continue to work with the government and the stakeholders of the local sugar industry to reach a solution to the current situation that is acceptable to all concerned,” said Coca-Cola Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications, Atty. Adel Tamano.
Coca-Cola Corporate Affairs and Legal Director, Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tanada, added to the point, saying, “We are committed to making sure that we are able to serve Filipino communities through our extensive use of local and global resources.”
The beverage company also recalled a University of the Philippines study, which was also cited by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), that found, with the company’s use of approximately 40 percent of all sugar production in the Philippines, Coca-Cola is a “main purchaser” of local sugar.
The release also pointed out programs like the Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program, which they say has benefitted over 5,000 women micro-entrepreneurs; along with the Coca-Cola Agos program, which provides fresh water without the need for electricity and has benefitted 25 communities throughout the province.
Recently, Atty. Anna Rosario Paner of the SRA said, while she cannot “quantify” the impact of sugar industry’s Coca-Cola boycott, she expressed confidence that it was successful.
Last month, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. banned Coca-Cola products from the upcoming Panaad sa Negros Festival, a move supported by Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and the Negros Occidental Provincial Board./WDJ