Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and sugar industry leaders on Friday, April 28, welcomed the appointment of Pablo Luis Azcona as the acting administrator and chief executive officer of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Azcona to the post on April 20, the Presidential Communications Office announced Friday.
Azcona was previously appointed planters’ representative on the SRA board.
He is taking over the helm of the SRA from Department of Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, who was named SRA officer-in-charge after David John Thaddeus Alba resigned as acting administrator effective April 16.
“That’s good, we’ve always wanted a Negrense to head the SRA,” Lacson said.
Lacson said he hopes the vacancy left by Azcona in the SRA board would also be occupied by another Negrense.
Negros produces 60 percent of the country’s sugar.
National Federation of Sugarcane Planters president Enrique Rojas congratulated Azcona on his appointment, saying they are happy that another Negrense now occupies the top SRA post.
“While its common knowledge in the industry that a certain group pushed for Paul’s appointment, we are confident that his inherent concern for his fellow sugarcane farmers will take precedence over his loyalty to any person or lobby group,” Rojas added.
“With Paul at the helm of SRA, we expect that he will initiate programs which can further improve the industry, particularly the production of the planters,” he said.
Rojas said he hopes Azcona will introduce interventions that can mitigate the impact of the upcoming dry season on sugarcane crops.
Manuel Lamata, United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines president, said “UNIFED is very happy Paul Azcona was appointed SRA administrator. At least he is a Negrense and a true farmer. Thank you Mr. President.”
Aurelio Gerardo J. Valderrama Jr., Confederation of Sugar Producers’ Associations president, also congratulated Azcona on his appointment and wished him more power.
A source said Azcona’s appointment to the helm of the SRA will be temporary, another person may be named to the post.*