BACOLOD CITY: Faced with threats from cheaper imported sugar substitutes like the high fructose corn syrup, local sugar producers were challenged by Sen. Cynthia Villar to be more competitive. Speaking during Farmers’ Day in Bago City, Negros Occidental, Villar said local producers “should strive to get ahead” to overcome the challenges to the sugar industry. “I will support anything that will help the sugar industry,” she added. Sugar industry leaders claimed the massive importation of HFCS threatens the financial viability of the local sugar industry. Non-compliance with the provisions of the Sugar Order shall subject the importer or consignee to the penalties provided under Sugar Order No.

Source: Manila Times February 20, 2017 14:15 UTC