By JEN BAYLON

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson called for unity among sugar federations in the province, urging them to set aside their differences to tackle the pressing challenges facing the industry.

The appeal comes as the local sugar sector grapples with declining prices and production issues that threaten its economic stability.

“We have a problem now with the sugar industry because the prices have gone down. If this continues, it will definitely affect our economy,” Lacson said, highlighting the critical role that the sugar industry plays in the local economy.

“The problem is the planters can’t understand why the prices of sugar are dropping because, if you follow supply and demand, the prices should be steady from last year or higher,” he added.

He pointed out that the decline in sugar prices has been significant, with many planters struggling to understand the reasons behind it.

“There is too much refined sugar in the market. There are some sugar mills that are not refining because they cannot sell the refined sugar,” he said.

The governor also attributed the oversupply of refined sugar in the market and a lack of sales from some sugar mills as factors in the price decline.

This has led to fewer cane cutters being employed, further impacting production levels.

Lacson’s appeal for collaboration among sugar federations aims to foster cooperation and collective problem-solving.

He stressed that “the sugar industry needs a little intervention from the government,” suggesting that stakeholders must come together to find solutions.

“I hope that all players, including those responsible for each sugar federation, will sit down and try to solve this problem,” he said.

As Negros Occidental is a major contributor to the national sugar supply, the implications of a weakened industry extend beyond local borders./JB, WDJ