well as allowing food manufacturers to do direct importation with the approval of the Sugar Regulatory Administration.
Marcos even emphasized the potential of direct importation of local food manufacturers with the approval of the SRA as part of “emergency measures” to address the sugar shortage. Marcos said the country might only import a total of 150,000 MT of sugar which is half of the proposed 300,000 metric tons which was approved illegally by the SRA board.Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, and ARC Refreshments Corporation said the industry is facing a shortage of premium refined sugar or bottlers’ grade sugar.
Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization, Inc. president Ruben See said his members are looking forward to working out, with the government, mutual concerns on sugar supply and pricing. The Department of Trade and Industry noted that processors preferred buying local sugar instead of importing the product to help improve the industry and increase collaboration between suppliers and users.