By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Tatak Kalamay, a group comprised of sugar industry stakeholders, claims they have been the subject of online abuse due to their politics. According to a statement issued by the group yesterday morning, they have been the subject of “downright offensive” posts, which they say “has no place in this democratic exercise.”
“To be labeled ‘bull****’ and ‘gago’ for democratic choices, even if it is contrary to another’s [view], is not only uncouth but must not also be tolerated,” they noted.
The group said they are focused on the survival of the domestic sugar industry and noted, “We chose our slate based on the track record of support our senatorial candidates have shown for the sugar industry.”
Earlier, Tatak Kalamay urged the public to support “pro-sugar senators.”
In addition, Confederation of Sugar Producers spokesperson Raymond Montinola said the sugar industry is facing a threat, which could spell its death and sink the nation’s economy.
According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), despite 2018 fourth quarter agriculture numbers up, sugarcane production was in decline.
Based on their 4Q report, agriculture overall, which includes crops, livestock, poultry, and fisheries, saw an increase of 1.8 percent; crops, in particular, saw a marginal 0.25 percent increase.
However, the report noted sugarcane production saw a 2.22 percent drop, noting a reduction in areas harvested in the Western Visayas./DGB, WDJ