Lipa City: The municipal government of Nasugbu reported that its sugar farmers are successfully transitioning to other livelihood sources following the closure of the Central Azucarera Don Pedro, a major sugar manufacturing firm, in March, reported Philippines News Agency.
During Tuesday’s Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas held at the Cultural Center, Nasugbu Mayor Antonio Barcelon stated that some of the sugar industry workers from his town have found alternative employment. However, many still prefer cultivating sugarcane and are depending on a sugarcane mill in nearby Balayan town to compensate for the closure of Central Azucarera, which reportedly went bankrupt due to increased sugar importation.
Central Azucarera was a significant employer in Nasugbu for 97 years. Barcelon noted that the Balayan Sugar Central is currently undergoing enhancements to increase its processing capacity. “Balayan Sugar Central is currently undergoing rehabilitation to increase its processing capacity,” he said, adding that Nasugbu’s sugarcane is being processed there.
Barcelon also mentioned that farmers dedicated to planting sugarcane are finding alternative markets, such as Bukid Verde and Progreen companies, which specialize in ethanol production from sugarcane. He further witnessed a trend where some farmers started to produce yellow corn to supply animal feed producers, thereby diversifying their farming activities.
The municipal government has initiated some projects to support agricultural resilience by enhancing water supply to farmlands by constructing check dams along rivers and creeks using local funding. “Our latest initiative, funded by the LGU, is the construction of check dams, which enhance the cropping seasons from one to two seasons a year,” said Barcelona.
