Executive Secretary Ralph Recto – Photo from Ralph Recto/Facebook
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the Marcos administration was prepared to confront persistent issues affecting the country’s sugar sector.
Recto conveyed the commitment following talks with Sen. Francis Pangilinan on Wednesday that focused on the situation of farmers, mill workers, and consumers.
Matters brought up during the discussion covered rising production expenses, market volatility, and possible policy shifts to steady supply and pricing.
A statement from Recto’s office said the concerns formed part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agenda and would be forwarded to relevant government agencies for assessment.
The exchange took place as Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson reiterated his appeal for stronger safeguards for local sugar producers.
Lacson cautioned that the continued influx of artificial sweeteners could weaken domestic output and pose risks to public health.
Figures presented by the governor indicated that imports of unregulated sweeteners climbed steadily from 2021 to 2024 before dipping in 2025, prompting renewed calls for regulatory balance.