Negros Occidental governor urges traders to offer fair sugar prices

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has made a public appeal to sugar traders to adopt fairer pricing practices that would allow local farmers to sustain their livelihoods. Lacson said he is hoping the buying price of sugar reaches P3,000 per 50-kilogram bag, a threshold he believes is necessary for farmers to remain economically viable.

While acknowledging that the provincial government cannot directly mandate trading prices, Lacson expressed confidence that traders would respond positively to the appeal. "We cannot compel the traders to buy at the price we want, but we are hoping they understand the situation and are more compassionate," the governor stated.

Negros Occidental remains one of the Philippines' largest sugar-producing regions, with the industry playing a crucial role in the provincial economy. The push for compassionate pricing reflects growing concerns among provincial officials about the challenges facing sugar farmers amid volatile market conditions and rising production costs.

The governor's appeal underscores the delicate balance between supporting agricultural producers and respecting market dynamics in the sugar trade. With farmers struggling against economic pressures, Lacson's call highlights the need for stakeholders across the supply chain to consider the broader social impact of their pricing decisions.