Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Monday, Jan. 5, expressed continued concern over the prevailing sugar crisis, noting that millgate prices have yet to see an upward trend.
He said as of now no sugar order has been issued by the national government toy address the low millgate prices.
“I’m still waiting to see if there is indeed a solution to the low prices,” Lacson said. “This week, we will know if there is any improvement in sugar prices.”
The governor said there is a growing sense of resignation among local producers, pointing out that “there are even planters who have accepted the fact that we will have to bite the bullet already.”
Lacson described the current situation as a “double whammy” for the sugar industry, as stakeholders are struggling with the simultaneous decline of both millgate prices and overall production volumes.
“We’re hoping that if it really hits us, it only hits us this [crop] year,” he added, expressing hope that the industry’s hardships will not extend into the next season.*