By Katrina Gracia Consebido
Several large supermarkets have agreed to set a benchmark price for sugar at P70.00 per kilo following a series of talks with Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez amid rising sugar prices.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said SM Supermarket, Robinsons Supermarket, and Puregold Supermarket will soon implement the reduced sugar retail price in their stores.
“Nangako naman ang SM Supermarket na ibebenta ang kanilang inventory ng asukal. Samantalang nangako rin ang Puregold na ibababa nila ang presyo ng asukal for 1 million kilos for P70/kilo. Hindi po 2 million as previously reported,” she said in an announcement on Friday afternoon, Aug. 19.
“Hindi po kasama ang S&R dahil sila ay wholesale nagbebenta. Retail ang po ang pinag-uusapan sa mga nagbaba ng presyo,” she added.
Angeles has clarified that each consumer may only avail a kilo per purchase.
According to Rodriguez, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the business owners for agreeing with their request and for “sacrificing” their profits “for the sake” of Filipino consumers.
“This is a classic display of the indomitable Filipino spirit of ‘bayanihan’ and love of country,” he said.
He said they have tasked the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure sufficient sugar market supply and to prevent possible “household hoarding.” Marcos has said that he will also coordinate with sugar traders.
Meanwhile, Victorias Milling Company has vowed to help traders’ food manufacturing industries with 45,000 sacks with 50 kilos per sack of bottler-grade sugar for soft drinks companies including Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and RC Cola. -ag
