The National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines (NACUSIP) is asking President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to take immediate executive intervention to save the sugar industry from what they describe as a “death sentence” caused by collapsing prices and market manipulation.
NACUSIP National President Roland C. de la Cruz, in his letter Saturday, Feb. 28, cited the steep decline in sugar prices seen from late 2025 through early 2026, which has left farmers and mill workers unable to afford basic necessities.
The labor federation is calling for the urgent establishment of a government sugar buying program to ensure fair farmgate prices, providing a vital safety net for producers and shielding them from unscrupulous traders who exploit market fluctuations.
Beyond economic relief, the union is demanding the immediate replacement of current Sugar Regulatory Administrator Pablo Luis S. Azcona, and Sugar Board planters’ representative David Andrew L. Sanson, and millers’ representative Ma. Mitzi V. Mangwag.
“The continuing stay of these personalities in the sugar board is a death sentence for the sugar industry. Every day they remain in power, more farmers sink deeper into poverty, more workers lose hope, and more families are pushed to despair, de la Cruz said.
NACUSIP said they have betrayed the industry they are sworn to protect, citing a lack of transparency and a refusal to release the minutes of meetings regarding Sugar Order No. 8.
NACUSIP said order led to reckless over-importation, which flooded the market with imported sugar and devastated local producers.
The continued stay of these officials in power is pushing more families into poverty and despair, NASCUSIP said.*
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