New approaches highlight sugar industry congress

Bacolod City- The 2024 Joint Sugar Tripartite Council-District Tripartite Council (STC-DTC) Congress in Bacolod City set the direction on exploring new approaches for the enhancement of the sugar industry and the promotion of welfare and benefits of the sugar workers.

In his opening message, Regional Director Atty. Sixto Rodriguez, Jr.  underscored that the forum mirrors the stakeholders’ commitment to uplift the lives of the vulnerable workers who form the backbone of the sugar industry.

“Republic Act 6982 or the Sugar Amelioration Act is more than just policy but an act of Social Justice na dapat nating iwagayway,” he said. ” It is a recognition of the crucial contributions of workers to sugar production and a call to ensure their rights and welfare are prioritized,” he continued.

RD Rodriguez, urged the participants to share experiences, and highlight best practices in the execution of the Social Amelioration Program and to religiously focus on the Implementing Rules and Regulations and explore possible modifications that aligned with the current realities of the sugar industry and to fortify the safety nets of the vulnerable workers.

“The contributions of every individual here are significant. They have the power to transform not merely policies but the very lives of our vulnerable workers—those who have often been unserved, underserved, and hard to reach within our broader society. Together, we can create pathways to progress, equity, and dignity for all who labor in the sugar industry, ” urged Atty. Rodriguez.

The two-day activity was participated by millers, planters, sugar workers groups, and other stakeholders from 10 sugar producing regions of the country.

Asst. Secretary Amuerfina R. Reyes for the Workers Protection Cluster graced the occasion and delivered a keynote message that highlighted the contributions of the stakeholders for the enhancement of the sugar industry and the promotion of workers’ benefits.

The Congress, ASec Reyes said, is to strengthen unity and cooperation and an opportunity for sharing, enhancement and creation of significant steps towards the development of the sugar industry and the promotion of workers welfare and to address their needs.

“Ang ating mga planters, millers at manggagawa ay may magkakatuwang na papel na ginagampanan sa pagtataguyod ng isang matatag at produktibong industriya ng asukal,” emphasized ASec Perez stressing on the importance of cooperation.

The Asst. Secretary also pointed out the importance of revisiting and reviewing policies  and rules in the implementation of the Social Amelioration Program to address the needs of the workers who are confronted by various challenges  affecting their employment.

The sugar industry situationer was presented by Sugar Regulatory Administration’s Atty. Brando D. Noroña. He also presided over the open forum that delve into the different issues and concerns of the different stakeholders.

Director Ahmma Charisma Lobrin-Satumba of the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) oversees the conduct of the Congress. BWSC organized the activity to provide opportunity for the stakeholders to take part in the implenentation of possible amendments in the IRR of the Social Amelioration Program for sugar workers. /jpm