00:00 The production of sugar is expected to increase
00:03 according to the Sugar Regulatory Administration.
00:05 But they are now preparing for the possible effect of El Nino on the supply.
00:10 This is the first news of Bernadette Reyes.
00:12 As the birth of the bird, the growth of the birds started.
00:21 But now, the Sugar Regulatory Administration wants to ensure
00:25 that the supply of sugar is enough in the country.
00:28 That's why in the visa of Sugar Order No. 1,
00:31 it was ordered to classify all sugar produced by farmers as domestic sugar.
00:37 According to the SRA,
00:39 even if the production of sugar is expected to increase by 1.85 million metric tons,
00:44 El Nino can have an impact on the farmers.
00:48 Aside from this, the expected demand for sugar
00:52 will reach 2.2 million metric tons or more in the supply.
00:56 If El Nino is really severe, we expect about a 10 to 15 percent drop.
01:01 If it's not severe, we can get our estimates.
01:07 The SRA is not yet in charge,
01:10 so there is no need for a new importation.
01:13 But they are still early in studying the supply.
01:17 By May and June, we will have ample sugar.
01:19 The shortages usually is felt before the next milling.
01:22 So usually at the beginning, first quarter of 2024,
01:26 we should already start surveying and planning
01:29 if we will really have shortages or if we really need to import.
01:33 For now, the price of sugar remains stable since February.
01:37 In the last price monitoring of the Department of Agriculture,
01:41 the price of sugar ranges from P84 to P110,
01:46 while the price of washed and brown sugar is P95.
01:50 Despite the efforts of the government to lower the price of sugar,
01:55 it did not return to the previous level of P50 per kilo.
01:59 That's why small businesses like this are affected.
02:03 Before, I bought white sugar, but now I use washed sugar.
02:06 Washed sugar is cheaper.
02:08 The price of sugar is not decreasing.
02:11 Maybe that's the trend now,
02:15 because it's already December, right?
02:18 Everything is really increasing.
02:20 According to the SRA,
02:21 once the new sugar mills arrive in Metro Manila,
02:25 it is expected to play at P75 per kilo.
02:29 This is the first news.
02:31 Bernadette Reyes for GMA Integrated News.
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02:47 (upbeat music)
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