The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently hosted a sectoral Congress that was focused on the welfare of sugar workers and reforms in the industry.
DOLE Undersecretary Benjo Santos M. Benavidez said the three-day inaugural Joint Sugar Tripartite Council-District Tripartite Council (STC-DTC) Congress underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to improve the livelihoods of sugar workers and foster industry reforms.
Representatives from 10 sugar-producing regions, including planters, millers, and workers’ groups, convened to discuss proposed amendments to the Sugar Amelioration Act (RA 6982) of 1991, a pivotal law that safeguards the rights and welfare of sugar workers nationwide.
Discussions centered on the industry’s performance, progress within the Social Amelioration Program (SAP), and proposed revisions to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 6982 to enhance worker protections.
Assistant Secretary Amuerfina R. Reyes reaffirmed DOLE’s commitment to improving sugar workers’ welfare, calling for a unified approach among stakeholders to build a more sustainable and inclusive future for the sector.
Reyes also urged a comprehensive review of existing policies to identify gaps impacting the industry and secure long-term improvements.
The congress included a field visit to sugar plantations and mills, offering participants firsthand insight into the challenges faced by workers in the industry.
A special session led by lawyer Brando D. Noroña of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) facilitated an open forum where concerns and potential solutions were discussed.
In his closing remarks, Benavidez commended the Congress for laying the groundwork for future reforms and reaffirmed DOLE’s dedication to improving working conditions and increasing productivity in the sugar industry.