SUGAR board member Emilio Yulo III admitted Friday, March 29, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is doing its homework but needs to lobby more to get the full amount of P2 billion a year, which is the full allocation that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has appropriated for the sugar industry under the Sugarcane Industry Development Act (Sida).

“It’s sad to note that this 2019, we only have P500 million fund from DBM,” Yulo said.

Yulo presented Friday the 137 scholars of the SRA-Sida, who are enrolled at the Central Philippines State University (CPSU) in Kabankalan City to Senator Cynthia Villar, who was the commencement speaker of the university.

He said that the CPSU scholars, the biggest among the sugar-producing provinces, are receiving bigger benefits and allowances, along with thesis allowance. They receive a monthly allowance of P10,000 each.

Yulo said that hopefully, the SIDA allocation would be bigger next year. It has been underutilized for three years since it became a law.

Meanwhile, Yulo explained that members of Tatak Kalamay have the option to choose four other senatorial candidates to complete the Magic 12 in the May 13 elections. Tatak Kalamay earlier endorsed eight senatorial candidates. It is up to the other mill districts to complete the lineup.

He said that the eight candidates who were earlier named will be the common candidates of Tatak Kalamay. (TDE)