By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson remains optimistic about prices of sugar in the region, despite concerns over low farm gate prices at some large sugar mills.

Lacson said he is hopeful that mill gate prices will rebound to reach the desired average of P3,000 per bag.

He expressed his concerns about the ongoing sugar importation during the milling season, emphasizing that it should be temporarily halted to stabilize prices.

“At this time, there should be no more importation. Eventually, it will correct the prices,” Lacson said.

While it’s too early to predict crop yields for this year, Lacson said a P3,000 sugar bag is a fair market price, serving as an incentive for farmers to increase their sustainability by planting more crops.

Sugar Regulatory Administration administrator Pablo Luis Azcona had earlier pledged to investigate the issue against sugar traders and importers to uncover any irregularities.

Lacson echoed Azcona’s sentiments, stating that someone is definitely making a scenario.

Azcona and Lacson stressed the importance of maintaining an average price of P3,000 per bag throughout the milling season.

While challenges persist, they remain hopeful that sugar prices will improve in the coming months.

Azcona has reassured the public that the country has sufficient sugar stocks as it enters a new crop year, that will eliminate the immediate need for additional sugar imports./DGB, WDJ