Manila: The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) on Wednesday announced it is adopting global best practices for the local sugar sector, marking its return to the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ISSCT) Congress after four decades, reports Philippine News Agency.
The SRA participated in the ISSCT Congress held at Centro de Eventos Valle del Pacífico in Cali, Colombia, which gathered over 1,100 delegates from 60 countries from Aug. 22 to 31.
SRA Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Administrator for Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Ma. Lourdes Almodiente said the event allowed the Philippines to measure its progress against other sugar-producing countries.
“It showed us that our research is in step with global directions, while also pointing to areas where we can do more to support our farmers,” she said in a statement.
The discussions highlighted climate-resilient sugarcane varieties, precision farming, and new approaches to pest and disease control.
According to the SRA, these innovations may be integrated into the Philippines’ breeding, research, and pest management programs.
Rachel Sarol, head of the Breeding Program at the SRA-Luzon Agricultural Research and Extension Center (LGAREC), emphasized the importance of molecular breeding. She noted its potential to produce sugarcane varieties that are higher-yielding, resistant to pests, and better adapted to changing climate conditions.
“These insights will help strengthen our breeding program so Filipino farmers can benefit from more resilient and productive sugarcane varieties,” Sarol said.
