KEY stakeholders in the sugar industry gathered in Bacolod City in November for the first-ever Joint Sugar Tripartite Council-District Tripartite Council (STC-DTC) Congress to collaboratively explore strategies for revitalizing the sector while ensuring the well-being of sugar workers.
This three-day event provided an avenue for various stakeholders to discuss proposed amendments to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act (RA) 6982, or the Sugar Amelioration Act of 1991.
Department of Labor and Employment Western Visayas (DOLE VI) Regional Director Atty. Sixto Rodriguez, Jr., in his opening message, highlighted the commitment of stakeholders to uplift the lives of vulnerable workers in the sugar industry.
He described the landmark event as a platform to advance the principles of RA 6982, which he called “an act of social justice” that recognizes the vital contributions of sugar workers and ensures their rights and welfare are prioritized.
The congress kicked off with discussions on industry updates, key SAP milestones, and a review of proposed revisions. Day two featured best practices sharing, validation of outputs, and the closing ceremony.
In his closing remarks, Undersecretary for the Workers’ Welfare and Protection Atty. Benjo Santos M. Benavidez recognized the inputs of the participants that outlined the program’s coverage and the requirements for the availment of benefits.
“Your efforts laid out a clear guideline on who gets what at sino ba ang dapat makatanggap (and who should receive),” the Labor Undersecretary said, as he called for a more efficient and simplified availment process.
“Sana ma-ameliorate natin ang buhay ng mga manggagawa sa sugar industry at sana mas maging produktibo rin ang mga negosyo ng mga stakeholders […] gusto lang natin ang disenteng trabaho ng ating mga workers sa sugar industry,” he added.
DOLE Assistant Secretary Amuerfina R. Reyes also emphasized the shared responsibilities of planters, millers, and workers in sustaining a strong and productive sugar industry. She called for unity, collaboration, and policy review to better address the challenges faced by workers.
“Ang ating mga planters, millers at manggagawa ay may magkakatuwang na papel na ginagampanan sa pagtataguyod ng isang matatag at produktibong industriya ng asukal,” she said, urging stakeholders to address the gaps in implementing the SAP.
The Congress, which concluded with a field visit to the sugar plantations and millers, included participation from millers, planters, sugar workers’ groups, and other stakeholders from 10 sugar-producing regions nationwide. Atty. Brando D. Noroña of the Sugar Regulatory Administration presented an industry situationer and presided over an open forum that tackled key issues and concerns raised by participants.
The event was organized by the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC), led by then Director Ahmma Charisma Lobrin-Satumba, to engage stakeholders in identifying potential amendments to the IRR of the Social Amelioration Program. The Congress served as a venue for discussing steps to enhance the industry and ensure the protection and welfare of sugar workers. JPM, AG#
This article has been sourced from the Department of Labor and Employment – DOLE Facebook Page.
