Negros Occidental lawmakers assured that small sugarcane farmers will be included in future congressional hearings on the sugar industry following a House Committee on Agriculture and Food hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 25, in Quezon City.
Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) said small farmers, including association presidents and members of small planter groups, must be directly involved in the discussions.
His office is prepared to subsidize the travel of small farmer representatives to ensure their participation in the hearings, Benitez said.
Benitez added that the next hearing should include traders, importers, and industry partners to provide a complete picture of supply, demand, and production issues affecting the sector.
He said the committee’s recommendations will be reflected in its report and could later be translated into legislation, although Congress’ role remains recommendatory to the executive branch.
Meanwhile, Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (Neg. Occ, 6th District) said her line of questioning during the hearing focused on the specific programs and interventions extended to small farmers.
Alvarez noted that about 85 percent of sugar planters in the country are small planters and deserve clear updates on assistance provided by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).
She said some small farmer representatives expressed concern that their voices may not be heard in national-level discussions.
Alvarez said lawmakers assured stakeholders that the hearings will serve not only as an inquiry but also as a consultation.
The hearing was conducted to gather concerns from stakeholders and obtain updates from the SRA on sugar importation and measures taken to address the concerns of the industry.*
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