‘No consultation, no sugar imports,’ DA vows

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala assured sugar industry stakeholders that the Aquino administration will not allow sugar importation without first consulting all sectors.

Alcala, who was in Cebu City for the Philsutech Convention, also vowed that, under his watch, “we will not allow smuggling of sugar in the country” as he called on traders to “release the sugar in the market.”

The agriculture secretary promised the administration’s support to the industry in the face of the looming zero tariff on imports in 2015.

Alcala said he was surprised to learn how expensive sugar was in the market even when the DA agreed to import 100,000 metric tons negotiated under the previous administration to “cushion the price of sugar.”

“We need to get our acts together and I am asking especially the traders who have the supply now, let us release the sugar in the market,” he said.

Alcala also said the DA would help small farmers improve their yield.

The DA, with the Department of Agrarian Reform and Department of Environment and Natural Resource will also start the “convergence project,” which will organize small farmers and give them access to technology transfer, farm equipment, irrigation systems and other assistance.

He also said the Aquino administration will make the Landbank fulfill its mandate, which is to “serve the agriculture industry,” and would teach small farmers how to access loans from the financial institution.

“Landbank should not be in competition with other commercial banks,” Alcala said.

He also said the DA intends to involve local government executives in its programs.

“We need to work with them and ask their help since extension work is devolved to LGUs and we need to make them partners,” he said.