By CESAR JOLITO III

Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez announced that an official congressional hearing on the country’s sugar industry will be held in the last week of February in Manila, as lawmakers move to address mounting concerns from farmers, workers and other stakeholders.

Benitez said his office has actively consulted with industry players on the ground, stressing that the challenges confronting the sugar sector warrant a formal and focused discussion.

“We have read the statements, listened to stakeholders, and engaged our farmers and workers on the ground on the challenges facing the sugar industry. These concerns are clear, and they deserve a proper venue for discussion,” Benitez said.

The lawmaker confirmed that he has coordinated with Representative Mark Enverga, chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, to move the matter forward as an official congressional hearing.

He added that Benitez is currently organizing the list of attendees, which will include key industry stakeholders whose statements and concerns are expected to be discussed during the proceedings.

According to the lawmaker, the hearing aims to protect sugar farmers and workers, strengthen the industry, and advocate for coordinated, long-term solutions that also consider consumer realities.

He emphasized that his office will continue to engage stakeholders and push for meaningful reforms from the district level to the national stage./CJ, WDJ