SOME 4,000 workers in Calabarzon have been displaced as the country’s sugar industry continues to reel from the massive smuggling of sugar products.
In a statement, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the displaced sugarcane workers are from the Central Azucarera Don Pedro Inc. (CADPI) Sugar Mill.
“One of Luzon’s biggest raw sugar producers filed for permanent closure after experiencing operational and financial challenges within the current conditions affecting the sugar industry in the Batangas area,” the agency said.
Smuggled sugar has driven mill gate prices down and has adversely affected the country’s sugar industry.
DOLE-Calabarzon Director Ma. Karina Perida-Trayvilla said they have allocated P79 million to finance a livelihood assistance and emergency employment program for the affected workers.
“We are preparing to provide sustainable livelihood assistance after we hold a dialogue with the affected workers to optimize the use of funds,” said Perida-Trayvilla.
