Following the outcry of regular customers for low-cost sugar, the retail price of sugar in Metro Manila supermarkets and grocers is currently set at P70 per kilo.

According to reports reaching Malacanang, supermarket and grocery chain owners have agreed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s request that sugar prices be reduced to P70 per kilo from a high of P90-P110 per kilo.

The President praised these businesspeople for their altruistic approach, knowing when to sacrifice their earnings for the sake of Filipino consumers who are struggling with the recent surge in sugar and other commodity costs.

“This is a classic display of the Filipino spirit of ‘bayanihan’ and love of country. It is good to know that consumers are now enjoying the price-drop of sugar in the leading groceries and supermarkets,” Marcos stated.

Last Monday, Marcos met with the proprietors of Robinsons Supermarket, SM Supermarket, and Puregold Supermarket in Malacanang, where they all agreed on a proposed retail price of P70 per kilo of sugar.

The businesspeople also promised the CEO that they would sell 1 million kilos of sugar in their individual supermarkets starting today (Monday).

To guarantee that as many customers as possible can benefit from the low-cost sugar, Marcos asked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to monitor participating merchants’ adherence to the agreed-upon purchase limit of one kilo per consumer.

“This is aimed at preventing possible household hoarding by some enterprising consumers,” The DTI provided information to the President.

According to grocery proprietors, the availability of P70 per kilo of sugar is good till supplies last. DTI will also keep an eye on the agreed-upon selling price of P70 per kg.

In addition, the President met with members of the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, Inc. (PCFMI) to examine potential solutions to the country’s projected sugar supply problem.

The PCFMI is the primary association in the Philippines for food manufacturers and distributors. It is responsible for ensuring that processed food items are safe, healthy, and inexpensive for customers while adhering to local and international standards and laws.

“Hopefully, we can get some concessions with the traders so that at least the pricing will be reasonable. The concern is the supply right now. I’ll make sure that there is sufficient supply in the country so that you can operate at full capacity,” PBBM said.