Sugar industry leaders recently met with Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos and Senator Ralph Recto in Alabang to discuss the need to impose measures to prevent sugar smuggling.

“We discussed anti-smuggling measures in the Batangas Port,” Manuel Lamata, president of the United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines, said.

“We asked the governor to help us since imports will be diverted to the Batangas port,” he added.

5,000 jobs seen next year

Five thousand more jobs may be available in Bacolod City next year.

The jobs are expected with the start of construction by AyalaLand Inc. on property it is set to lease from the Negros Occidental provincial government, the expansion of the SM Mall, which includes a convention center, and the opening of the Negros First CyberCentre in Bacolod City, Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, Frank Carbon, said yesterday.

The expected employment will generate P25 million a month in circulation in the city’s economy next year, he said.

Land reform
beneficiaries take oath

A mass oathtaking ceremony for 252 farmer-beneficiaries, 64 from Cauayan A, 64 from Cauayan B, 48 from Candoni and 78 from the Municipality of Ilog, was held recently under the supervision of Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer MarilouTubesa, a Department of Agrarian Reform press release said yesterday.

The land to be divided among the new beneficiaries is around 388.6152 hectares.

The ceremony was held in the Dancalan, Ilog Brgy. Hall. Municipal Circuit Trial Court Judge Phoebe Gargantiel-Balbin led the ceremony. Tubesa delivered a message to the beneficiaries, with Benigno Gequillana, the Punong Barangay of Dancalan.

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