Pablo Azcona, right, is the acting administrator and chief executive officer of the Sugar Regulatory Board. FILE PHOTO
BACOLOD CITY — Sugar industry leaders welcomed the appointment of an acting administrator and chief executive officer of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).
Enrique Rojas, president of the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters, lauded the appointment of Pablo Luis Azcona, saying he was very happy that another Negrense was chosen to occupy the top SRA post.
“While its a common knowledge in the industry that a certain group pushed for Paul’s appointment, we are confident that his inherent concern for his fellow sugarcane farmers will take precedence over his loyalty to any person or lobby group,” Rojas said in an interview on Friday, April 28.
“With Paul at the helm of SRA, we expect that he will initiate programs which can further improve the industry, particularly the production of the planters,” he added.
Rojas expressed hope that Azcona would introduce interventions that could mitigate the impact of the upcoming dry season on sugarcane crops.
Manuel Lamata, president of the United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines, said they too were very happy with the appointment of Azcona.
“At least, he is a Negrense and a true farmer,” he said.
Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama Jr., president of the Confederation of Sugar Producers’ Associations, also welcomed the appointment of Azcona.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said he always wanted a Negrense to head the SRA considering that Negros produces 60 percent of the country’s sugar.
“I hope the vacancy left by Azcona in the SRA board would also be occupied by another Negrense,” the governor said.
President Marcos appointed Azcona to the post on April 20, the Presidential Communications Office announced on Friday, April 28.
Azcona was previously appointed planters’ representative on the SRA board.
He is taking over the helm of the SRA from Department of Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban who was named SRA officer-in-charge after David John Thaddeus Alba resigned as acting administrator on April 16.
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