Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Thursday he believes officials of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) would protect the welfare of sugar farmers amid various opinions on the latest importation of 440,000 metric tons (MT) of refined sugar.

“I trust our sugar leaders especially in the SRA, who are composed of Negrenses, will be looking at the welfare also of our planters, especially the small planters, who are the big majority right now,” he told reporters.

Negros Occidental, the country’s top sugar-producing province, contributes about 60 percent to the national sugar output.

Lacson said that based on the articles he has read, “there’s seems to be a conflict as to the timing, on when it should come in.”

“I’ve always said what’s important is to determine the right volume and the timing of the importation,” the governor said.

On Wednesday, the SRA released Sugar Order (SO) No. 6 authorizing the importation of 440,000 MT of refined sugar to alleviate the high market prices of refined sugar.

Signed by Department of Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban and SRA Acting Administrator David John Thaddeus Alba, SO 6 said the country shall import 200,000 metric tons of sugar for consumers, and another 240,000 metric tons to be allocated for buffer stock.

The first arrival of 100,000 MT is expected as soon as possible while the second batch of 100,000 MT is expected to arrive before April 1, and the remaining 240,000 MT for buffer stock must not arrive “earlier” than the first day of April, according to SO 6.

Sugar federations based in the province and in this city have issued separate statements on the importation.

The United Sugar Producers Federation, the biggest sugar association in the country, has supported coming in of 440,000 MT of refined sugar while the Confederation of Sugar Producers Association and National Federation of Sugar Planters believe the volume is more than what is needed. (PNA)