Philippines seeks 2 billion peso funding for sugarcane industry

The Philippines’ Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is requesting a 2-billion peso (approximately US$31.27 million) allocation under the Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SIDA). The funding is intended to strengthen irrigation infrastructure and combat red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestations, exacerbated by El Niño effects.

Of the proposed amount, 60% would be dedicated to irrigation and 40% to pest management. The pest-control strategy includes the use of drone-based spraying, biological control via fungi, and the establishment of regional laboratories. The request has received support from Senators Francis Pangilinan and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Regarding trade, the SRA is currently reviewing production data to determine if the country can export raw sugar to the United States. SRA Administrator Pablo Azcona has requested the US Department of Agriculture allow until late November to assess October production figures. However, based on current projections, farmers and millers have agreed to reserve the country’s entire raw sugar output for domestic consumption to safeguard local supplies.