The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) projects an 8% decline in the country’s sugar production for crop year 2025-2026, estimating 1.92 million metric tons due to pest infestation and adverse weather.
The red-stripe soft scale insect (RSSI), which has spread across over 3,200 hectares in Negros and Panay, is damaging sugarcane and reducing sugar content by up to 50 percent.
Excessive rainfall in Negros, the nation’s top sugar-producing region, also contributed to the lowered output forecast.
Despite a strong 2.08 million metric tons production in the previous year, the SRA warns of a supply gap of about 280,000 metric tons that may require imports or increased future yields.
The agency continues to prioritize domestic sugar supply, designating all production as for local consumption amid ongoing assessments.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 2, 2025
DECLINE IN SUGAR PRODUCTION LOOMS AS PEST INFESTATION SPREADS
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