The Philippines is set to import 150,000 metric tons of refined sugar, according to Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA)’s Sugar Order No. 2 (SO 2).

The sugar imports will be composed of 75,000 metric tons of refined sugar for industrial users and the other 75,000 metric tons for consumers.

“The intention is that the imported sugar shall be open and available for consumption by all industrial users and consumers,” it said.

The import volume is expected to arrive in the country before Nov. 15, alongside the harvest season.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. himself approved and signed the said importation, as the concurrent Agriculture chief and SRA board chairperson.

Agriculture Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, acting SRA Director David Thaddeus Alba, acting Board Member-Millers’ Representative Ma. Mitzi Mangwag, and acting Board Member-Planters’ Representative Pablo Luis Azcona also signed the order.

The SO 2’s value is lower by half compared to the controversial supposed importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar.

The SRA also released SO 1, indicating the allocation of the sugar production for Crop Year 2022-2023 for domestic use. Its production is expected to be 1,876,135.36 metric tons, and is meant for the domestic sugar market.

The sugar supply is expected to stabilize incoming months, according to the SRA. (PNA)