By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Acting Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said he is planning to discuss with members of the provincial board to possibly “expand the boycott of Coca-Cola products in provincial government-owned facilities.”
“I will suggest it to them,” Lacson said. “What we can do as local government unit is to ban their products from government-sanctioned events and activities like the Panaad Festival.”
He pointed out that they cannot impose it on private individuals.
“While it it will depend on the LGU, we encourage them to join the boycott,” he said.
Earlier, Bago City and Binalbagan town became the latest LGU in Negros Occidental to answer the province-wide call to boycott Coke products.
In Executive Order No. 20, Bago City Mayor Nicolas Yulo ordered the prohibition of “the promotion, advertisement and sale of Coca-Cola products in specific areas and events in Bago City.”
The order said the “non-utilization of locally-produced sugar from sugarcane by Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Inc, and their importation of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as sweeteners for their beverages has been the subject of displeasure of Negros Occidental Provincial Government officials and some cities and municipalities in the island.”
Yulo, in his order, said prohibition covers the City Hall compound, Bantayan Park, Bago City College, Bago City Sports Center, Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center, Buenos Aires Mountain Resort, and other local-government facilities.
It also covers the promotion and ad sponsorship “during purok, barangay, city festivals and events.”
The prohibition shall be in effect until Coca-Cola “stops using HFCS and instead utilize locally-produced sugar from sugarcane as sweeteners in their products, or until the sugar industry and its leaders have finally resolved the crisis in favor of the sugar industry.”
Yulo’s order also warns repeat violations will mean confiscation of the goods.
Binalbagan Mayor Emmanuel Aranda, through Executive Order No. 10, also prohibited the selling of Coca-Cola products within the vicinity of festival venues during its Balbagan Festival on May 8-15, 2017.
The Sugar Alliance of the Philippines (SAP) welcomed the development.
“We are thankful for the continued support of our local chief executives and we join their appeal to their constituents and Negrenses to stop patronizing beverage companies that use HFCS,” Atty. Emilio Yulo, SAP spokesperson said.
He pointed out that “last week’s sugar composite price is already very alarming and we hope that it will not worsen in the coming weeks especially since milling season is about to end and we are fast approaching Tiempo Muerto.”
He added, “We are hoping that other local government units will follow the lead of Bago Mayor Nico Yulo who has expanded the boycott in all government and public facilities and has strongly campaigned against Coca Cola not just during festivities but until this multinational [company] shows their sincerity by supporting our local sugar growers.”
Earlier, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr.ordered the banning of Coke in the Panaad festival.
The boycott against Coke was also imposed during the town fiestas of Isabela, Hinigaran, Pontevedra, and La Carlota City./WDJ